Family Matters
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Part 8
Taking care of the elderly
(2)
55
Family Matters
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For your information
Ageing is a stage in life and is part of living. It is a
continuous process of growing up. Advances in nutrition,
medicine, and health care have made it possible for most
people to live longer lives.
As people live longer, the number and percentage of the
elderly in the population expands. Something has to be done
to meet the demands of an ageing population.
With good health and
income security, getting
older can bring freedom to be yourself, to achieve
The ageing of our
population
is
nothing to be
goals and take part in
activities.
The elderly are not all the same. People age
differently.
Ageing is affected by genetic,
physical, life style, social, and environmental
factors.
alarmed
about.
The elderly are
living longer and
are likely to stay
well and active
both physically
and mentally.
We should know that personal choices
about mental and physical health habits
affect the quality and length of life.
The terms “young” and “old” are
only relative. All generations make
contributions, and have their needs
and
aspirations.
Age
discrimination harms our society.
Individuals can change their
behaviour and society its
policies in ways that
improve the quality of life
for all generations.
Family Matters
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Percentage distribution of Population by Age group in Hong Kong, 1981 - 1996
1981
1986
1991
1996
%
%
%
%
Under 15
24.8
23.1
20.9
18.5
15 – 34
40.7
39.1
36.5
33.1
35 – 64
27.9
30.2
33.9
38.3
65 or over
6.6
7.6
8.7
10.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Age Group
Total
1.
In the following graph, the line for the age group under 15 has already been done
for you.
(i)
Please plot the three lines for the age groups of 15 – 34, 35 – 64, and 65
or above in the following space according to the figures in the above
table.
(ii)
Project all four lines to 2046 which is the year you are likely to retire
from your work. Dotted lines should be used.
MK_Our home and family_Family issues 58
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50
40
30
20
10
0
.
20
41
20
11
.
20
31
.
20
21
.
20
01
0
19
91
50
19
81
Percentage
Percentage Distribution of Population by Age in Hong Kong, 1981 – 1996
.
.
.
Under 15
35 - 64Year
2.
15 - 34
65 or over
Describe the percentage change for the age group 65 or over from 1981 to 1996.
increasing percentage
3.
Suggest reasons for the changes in the percentage.
- improved nutrition
- improved medicine
- improved health care
4.
Other than setting up the MPF, what services will be needed to cater to the
percentage change for the age group 65 and over?
- medical services
- social centers for the elderly
- home help services
MK_Our home and family_Family issues 59
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In Singapore, all citizens are required by law to take care of their parents when
their parents become old. Do you think that Hong Kong should do the same?
(Any sensible answers will do)
Factors to be considered:
From the point of view of a family:
- traditional moral idea on filial piety
- different life styles among generations
- personal choice of role in society, e.g. taking care of somebody at home or
working in society
- economic burden of sons and daughters in taking care of their parents
- flat size in Hong Kong
From the point of view of society:
- burden on the community of taking care of the elderly
- cost of enforcing the law
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)
（強制性公積金計劃）
[http://www.mpfahk.org/index.asp]
In Hong Kong, only about one-third of the workforce of 3.4 million people have
some form of retirement protection. We need to set up a system to help members
of the workforce to provide financial support for their retirement.
Mandatory means that both employees and employers are required by law to
contribute an amount of money to a registered provident fund scheme. The
scheme will provide payment to members of the scheme, the employees, when
they retire.
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Services for the elderly
 Social Centres for the Elderly organize social and recreational activities for
elderly people in the community.
 Day Care Centres for the Elderly provide personal care and limited nursing care
to the weak elderly during daytime.
 Home help service assists the elderly who cannot look after themselves or are
unable to maintain the normal functioning of their own home.
 Residential care services provide residential care and facilities for those who, for
health, social and other reasons, are unable to live at home
1.
Why is it important to provide Social Centres for the Elderly?
They promote health and social gathering among the elderly.
2.
Why is it important to have Day Care Centres for the Elderly?
They provide personal care and nursing care to the elderly when their
relatives are not available during daytime.
3.
Do you think that the elderly living in residential care homes would be happier
than living in their own homes with their family members? Why?
(Any sensible answers will do)
Students are encouraged to focus on the relationship between the elderly and
their family members.
MK_Our home and family_Family issues 61
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What have you learnt?
1.
2.
3.
You are able to
realize that ageing is just a stage in life;
appreciate the elderly population is increasing in
Hong Kong;
recognize the importance of supporting services
to the elderly.