Idea of cross-generational Hong Kong flats with elderly resident and younger tenant not welcomed by both sides
Issues ranging from communication gaps to fears over personal safety cited in survey
The idea of elderly Hong Kong residents renting out rooms in their flats to younger tenants has been poorly received by both sides, with issues over personal safety and generation gaps cited, a recent survey has found.
On Tuesday, two pro-establishment think tanks released the findings from a poll of 600 people in two of the most rapidly ageing districts in the city.
The study also revealed that more elderly residents would be willing to share their domestic space as “cross-generational flats” if certain economic incentives, such as exemption of rents or more old age allowance, were provided by the government.
“The youth need low-cost housing. The solitary elderly need care. These are the strongest incentives,” said Raymond Ho Chung-tai, chairman of Dashun Foundation, one of the two groups involved in the report.