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Care for the elderly has been one of the key policy objectives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Government will continue to achieve the aim of providing a sense of security, belonging, health and worthiness for this sector of the community.

This was stated by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the opening ceremony of the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP) 1999 today (Saturday).

He said, "The elderly today were indeed the pillars of Hong Kong between the fifties and the seventies. They have made great contribution to both their family and the community."

"The success of Hong Kong today is attributed to the hard work of the elderly over the years. They therefore deserve our respect and we have the responsibility to look after them."

Mr Tung noted that the population over the age of 65 was projected to increase from 630,000 in 1996 to 1,090,000, or 13 per cent of the whole population, in 2016.

He said, "We must have long term planning for the development of a fair and proper programme for the care of the elderly."

Since its inception, the Elderly Commission has put forward much valuable opinions on the policies and services for the elderly.

It has also completed an assessment on the elderly's demand for housing and residential care services and worked out a set of strategies to cater for the needs of the elderly in the long term.

Mr Tung called on the community to take good care of the elderly and encourage them to play a more active part in community activities.

He said, "It is the responsibility of each family to take care of their senior members.

"We must respect and care for the elderly of other families as we respect and care for those in our own family, and see to it that such fine tradition is carried forward throughout the community."

The United Nations has declared this year the International Year of Older Persons with the main theme "Towards a Society for All Ages". In response, the Elderly Commission has set up a Central Co-ordinating Committee to co-ordinate the relevant activities to be held in Hong Kong.

The aims of the IYOP activities are to promote the society's awareness of the ageing of the population, the contribution of the elderly, their needs and expectations, and the responsibility of the family and the society towards the elderly.

Five territory-wide events and over 770 district events covering recreational, cultural, educational and promotional activities will be held in the year. Details of the programmes are contained the IYOP activities booklets which are obtainable from district offices. The information will be displayed on the Government homepage (http://www.info.gov.hk).

END/Saturday, January 23, 1999

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