LettersWhy Hong Kong must see the elderly in a new light – the rest of the world does

The government’s bungled attempt to raise the eligibility age for elderly CSSA payments notwithstanding, change is inevitable and should be accepted

Retirement age must rise so we can cope with an ageing society, whether we like it or not

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An elderly man walks past a wild boar in Aberdeen Park, Hong Kong. Most of us will spend 30 per cent or more of our lives in retirement, with many remaining physically and mentally healthy. Placing the burden of support solely on the younger generation would be economically disastrous. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:00pm, 11 Feb 2019Updated: 11:23pm, 11 Feb 2019

As people live longer and societies age, governments around the world are beginning to grapple with the consequent economic and social challenges. Yet, nearly everywhere, their attempts to address these challenges meet with fierce, often violent resistance. Hong Kong is no exception.

Resistance to change is a universal human weakness. It is particularly so when short-term perceived loss, however small, is more apparent than greater long-term gain. It is a case of a bird in the hand being seen as better than two in a bush.

The public outcry over a government proposal to raise the qualifying age for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) for Hong Kong’s elderly people, from 60 to 65, is a case in point.

Age 60 used to be the benchmark for the onset of old age when life expectancy was in the mid-70s. Our social, health and superannuation systems were based on a norm of 15 years, or 20 per cent of one’s lifespan, of non-economic earning in retirement. Our benefits systems, taxation, personal savings and employment practices have all been based on this. None of these are sustainable in the context of the greater life expectancy today.

Most of us will spend 30 per cent or more of our lives in retirement, with many – the majority of those in the 60s and even some into their 80s – remaining physically and mentally healthy. Asking the younger generation to support the old would place an unbearable burden on the young, and it would be socially and economically disastrous.

Adapting to this change is a challenge for all of us, not just for governments. To individuals, it is a challenge to remain healthy, to develop wider skills, to work longer and to make long-term financial provision.