'Facebook' for elderly residents offers tips and ways to connect

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Published: 12:00am, 14 Jun 2010

While Facebook might be young people's favourite hangout on the Web, a government-funded website aims to attain the same status among the older generation.

With large lettering and colourful pictures, the eElderly website (www.e123.hk) was launched yesterday offering tailor-made information for the elderly - including details on where they can find a doctor, take continuing education courses and get discounts using the senior citizen card.

The project was announced by Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah in the budget last year, and was designed by the Hong Kong Society for the Aged.

'Previous websites focused on providing information specific to a particular institution, but this website is a one-stop portal that combines all the information senior citizens and their care-givers need,' Tsang said at the launching ceremony yesterday afternoon in Tseung Kwan O.

A spokeswoman for the society said the portal would allow the elderly to expand their social horizons wherever they are, without being confined by physical constraints.

The website is divided into eight parts. The news section updates users with the latest stories happening in town, and recipes of healthy meals are featured in the 'eat' section. The 'life' section offers tips on choosing new shoes and sunglasses. Users can also brush up on their English and Mandarin in the 'learn' section.