The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) has released the “Current Situation and Challenges of Hong Kong Elderly in the Greater Bay Area Community Aging: Qualitative Research Report”.
Retirement in Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mainland cities has become a popular topic in Hong Kong. HKCSS conducted a qualitative research to explore the feasibility of promoting retirement in the GBA, and the policy and service support needed to provide various retirement options for Hong Kong’s elderly, with the aim of enhancing their quality of life.
The research found that familiarity with GBA Mainland cities is a prerequisite for elderly residents considering a move. Factors favoring retirement in the GBA include lower living and medical costs, a more spacious environment, better air quality, and stronger human connections. Conversely, lack of knowledge about renting and home purchase in the Mainland, and the need to care for local relatives, hinder retirement in the GBA. Even among those already residing in the GBA, some still lack confidence in the quality of Mainland medical services, worry about the high costs for serious illnesses, and are concerned about their family members’ ability to provide timely care. These factors lead them to not rule out the possibility of returning to Hong Kong in the future.
Based on the findings, the research proposes several recommendations:
1) further explanation of retirement policies and situations for residing in the GBA;
2) enhancement of cross-boundary medical services (such as expanding remote consultations, providing cross-boundary ambulance services, and supporting Hong Kong citizens to join the public or private medical insurance schemes in the Mainland; and
3) assistance for elderly residents in the GBA to establish social networks and adapt to life in their local communities.
The report (in Chinese) is published and ready for download by Agency Members here.
For enquiries, please contact Mr. Ronald Yick, Officer at the Council’s Policy Research and Advocacy unit, at 2864 2906 / [email protected].