Letters | Retiring on the mainland is no longer cheap and won’t offer Hong Kong elderly community support

Elderly people in Hong Kong benefit from being able to see their families often and close ties with the neighbouring community, which would be hard to replicate on the mainland

Reading Time:2 minutes

Elderly people in Hong Kong have close ties with their families. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 7:13am, 9 Mar 2019Updated: 7:36am, 9 Mar 2019

I am writing in response to the article, “Retiring to mainland could be made easier” (February 25).

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong said that while the government has rolled out schemes, such as allowing Hongkongers living across the border to continue receiving welfare payments, people should be able to choose where they want to live out their lives.

As the cost of living in cities on the mainland grows, the Hong Kong government’s subsidies may no longer be enough to ensure Hongkongers can lead a comfortable life there.

Elderly people who live in public housing in Hong Kong may not find living on the mainland attractive, not just because of the allowances and medical care available here, but also because of charitable organisations that could support them by sending them food. Seniors without a hukou (household registration) will not be able to access social welfare services on the mainland.

Apart from being able to maintain their health and do activities independently, elderly people need to have good relationships with their family members and close contact with the community. Will moving to the mainland offer them this?

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Retiring on the mainland is no longer cheap and won’t offer Hong Kong elderly community support

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Elderly people in Hong Kong benefit from being able to see their families often and close ties with the neighbouring community, which would be hard to replicate on the mainland

Letters | Retiring on the mainland is no longer cheap and won’t offer Hong Kong elderly community support

Elderly people in Hong Kong benefit from being able to see their families often and close ties with the neighbouring community, which would be hard to replicate on the mainland