Editorial | Hong Kong’s elderly-friendly design initiative a step in right direction
Measures to help Hongkongers age in place are important for social cohesiveness – and as significant as the transport subsidy for seniors
It is said a society can be judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable members. This includes the elderly. Ageing Hong Kong is a case in point. It is predicted that one in four in the city will be 65 and over by 2028, a proportion that could reach one in three in the 2040s. Many will live alone or with an elderly partner. There is much to be done, and no time to lose in meeting their needs. The government’s policy is to encourage ageing in place, or familiar surroundings.
After feedback from all stakeholders, a coordinating task force led by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun has revealed the final proposals for implementation in phases starting now. Meanwhile, the Development Bureau has launched a voluntary elderly-friendly building accreditation scheme to encourage the industry to adopt the recommended best practices.
The proposals are also applicable to alterations and additions to the commercial buildings frequented by the elderly, public housing and government buildings. They comprise both encouraged features and mandatory requirements and will be implemented in two phases, administrative and regulatory.
To promote participation in accreditation, elderly-friendly building certification can be one of the “specific standards” for granting gross floor area concessions.