Abstract: The demand for elderly services is rising while the problem of the ageing population becomes more serious. Since the prevalence of diseases may increase with age, the elderly may need long-term care services from the nursing homes; meanwhile, they have to give up their original community life. Hong Kong government is advancing the “ageing in place” plan for reducing the overload of nursing homes. This study explores the social and health implications of promoting “ageing in place” in Hong Kong, draws on examples from Singapore and provides suggestions for improvement.
Abstract: Information technology keeps advancing and the use of smartphone and social media has not been widely adopted in the elderly population. The Government has initiated different programmes to promote and enhance the quality of life among older adults. Benefits of using smartphone and social media mainly include maintaining communication with families and friends, finding entertainment, receiving informal education, and enhancing healthcare and safety. However, the elderly gave mixed comments on the use of information technology. Some elderly perceived new technology adoptions as being complicated and difficult to use and non-user-friendly design. Cost-effectiveness and privacy are also barriers to them. To change attitudes of the elderly, the government may cooperate with non-government organisations to organise more promotional activities. Family members and the manufacturers can also assist the elderly by improving cybersecurity and creating a simple and easy-to-use design.
Abstract: The mental health and well-being among the elderly become worse when there is misunderstanding towards related illness. Due to the lack of appropriate promotion on mental healthcare, mental disorder patients need to suffer from long-term persecution. Meanwhile, the elderly in Hong Kong are being isolated with lower self-esteem, which accelerated further problem of mental disorder. Hong Kong society is lacking education and promotion of mental health and well-being, the stigmatisation towards mental disorder is a barrier for mental disorder patients. This review explores how the stigmatisation border the recovery from mental disorder among the elderly in Hong Kong, outlines the approaches and policies which may be able to decrease the stigmas and propose Hong Kong as an age-friendly city with healthy mental.
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