Dear Editor,
As birth rate in Hong Kong is decreasing and Hong Kong people tend to live longer than before, Hong Kong will surely face the problem of aging population, which is a challenging task for both the government and citizens.
To deal with the problem and enjoy a fruitful and happy retired life, both the government and citizens should get well-prepared for the future.
The most important role for the government is to provide a comprehensive welfare system for the elderly, which includes the medical, social and economic aspects.
The statistics showed that a quarter of Hong Kong people will be elderly people by 2033. At that time, there will be a great demand for medical service, especially when old people do not have children. To meet the demand, the government should increase the number of nursing homes as well as medical officers for the elderly by putting more resources into supporting the nursing education. The elderly are relatively weak and they often suffer from chronic diseases. They need special care to obtain better health, which is an essential element of a happy life.
Apart from it, the government can also give some financial assistance and introduce some saving schemes to the elderly. Since the retired elderly do not have income and fewer elderly people will get financial support from their children, they must get prepared during their working period. The government should help the citizens to save for the future through implementing the MPF scheme and introducing other savings schemes. Besides, the government may increase the amount of elderly financial assistance or urge different bodies, such as clinics, hospitals, restaurants, to offer discounts to the elderly. These will definitely help the elderly to relieve the financial stress and eradicate poverty among the elderly.
Not only solving the basic problems the elderly usually encounter, the government should consider their needs. Since the elderly will easily feel bored or lose self-worth when they seem to contribute nothing to society, they need social network and some meaningful work. Therefore, the government should set up more community centres for the elderly and offer more classes or courses to them to learn and develop their interests. Community centres not only can let the elderly meet and make friends, they can also help the elderly to overcome loneliness and boredom and let them enjoy a fruitful life. To make the elderly feel that they are useful, the government can also launch some specially-designed, elderly-oriented voluntary work.
The government plays a very important role in taking care of the elderly as they were once the ones who contributed to the city’s development. We need to thank them.
Aging is a problem everyone will face and experience, so all citizens should get ready for their future too. To enjoy a carefree retired life, all people need to keep themselves healthy. Although the workload is heavy and life is hectic, doing exercise, having a regular meal time and healthy living habits are elements of acquiring a healthy body.
Besides, planning for the future is an important step for better living quality in the future. Future is full of uncertainty and accidents may happen any time, savings and purchasing insurance can definitely help to safeguard the properties and the living quality. Planning involves a lot of carful considerations and practical steps, so plan earlier for the future and do not wait until late. After planning, taking action to work out the plan is the crucial point to decide whether one can enjoy a secure retired life.
Retirement is a milestone in life, both the government and citizens need to plan for their important period. There may be many difficulties in the future, but Hong Kong can definitely overcome them with good planning.
Yours faithfully
Chris Wong