Advertisement
Hong Kong
OpinionLetters

LettersSocial enterprises need a boost to help with Hong Kong’s ageing problem

  • Readers discuss how to strengthen social enterprises’ role in elderly employment, and deepen public engagement on heritage conservation

3-MIN READ3-MIN
Staff and volunteers distribute meals at the social enterprise Gingko House in Yau Ma Tei on August 1. Gingko House is one of the social enterprises seeking to provide work opportunities for seniors. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Letters
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.

According to data from the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong is on the verge of becoming a super-aged society, where people aged 65 or above account for more than 20 per cent of the total population. Furthermore, the government expects the proportion of elderly people to increase further, to 30 per cent, by 2039.

Such a society will face a host of problems, including a healthcare system under pressure and unsustainable government welfare spending. It is to be expected that these challenges cannot be addressed with public finances.
Advertisement

We must ensure older people have access to income so that they can afford their own living and medical needs as much as possible.

In Hong Kong, some forward-thinking social enterprises have identified the need for elderly employment. Gingko House aims to provide work opportunities for seniors, especially those who are poor and do not want to rely on government support. Since 2003, more than 3,000 seniors have been recruited and helped in maintaining financial independence.
Advertisement

Time To Gold not only provides job opportunities for older women, but also makes better use of their experience by training them to make traditional pastries, thus giving them a greater sense of confidence and satisfaction.

While social enterprises’ participation is of great significance in alleviating the ageing problem, their development in Hong Kong has been limited, although between 2011 and 2015, Legislative Council members repeatedly urged the government to give greater support to social enterprises.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x