CityU ageing plan promotes self-care for seniors
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong is projected to have more than one-third of its population aged 65 or above by 2043, adding pressure to healthcare and elderly support services . Against that backdrop, researchers at City University of Hong Kong have launched the “Ageing at Home” programme to tackle long waiting times, overcrowded medical facilities and financial strain commonly faced by older patients . The initiative promotes a prevention-led, home-based and community-supported healthcare model, while teaching seniors skills to manage their own health and chronic conditions . Project findings indicate that timely intervention can improve mobility, mental wellbeing and self-management, while also lowering healthcare costs .
Key Points
- A CityU team led by Professor Chan Yau-wah from the Department of Decision Analytics and Operations has worked with NGOs from 2015 to 2025 .
- The programme has carried out health assessments for more than 3,768 elderly people, with over 1,800 receiving comprehensive health management support .
- More than 3,000 volunteers, caregivers and healthcare workers have been trained in health guidance and elderly-specific care skills to strengthen intergenerational ties .
- One participant, 81-year-old Ms Wong, regained mobility after stroke-related sciatica through pain assessment, stretching exercises, assistive devices and 12 weeks of support .
- The team said each HK$1 invested in community healthcare programmes could reduce public healthcare spending by more than 300% .
Why It Matters
As Hong Kong’s population ages, shifting part of elderly care from hospitals to homes and communities could help relieve pressure on crowded public services . The programme also suggests that giving seniors practical self-care tools may improve quality of life while making healthcare spending more cost-effective .