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Following is the full text of the opening address by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for the International Year of Older Persons this (Monday) afternoon:
Mr Li, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this international conference on ageing. This is a wonderful opportunity for delegates and guests in the Asia-Pacific Region to meet and share experiences in celebration of the UN International Year of Older Persons.
The elderly population in most countries is growing at a much faster rate than the total population. In Hong Kong, the percentage of persons aged 65 and above has increased from 7% of the population in 1985 to 10% in 1998 and is expected to rise to 13% by the year 2016.
It is widely recognised that this worldwide trend of an ageing population has occurred primarily as a result of major achievements in the 20th century. Social and economic developments, advancements in science and technology, and medical breakthroughs have led to reductions in infant and maternal mortality, reduction in infectious diseases, and improvements in nutrition and education. All these have enabled people to live longer, healthier and happier.
The unprecedented ageing phenomenon has presented major challenges for policy-makers as well as service providers. For one thing, we need to assess, plan and modify different kinds and combinations of service provision in order to meet new service demand. More importantly, we need to address the financial implications brought about by the increase in elderly population and the additional service provisions.
There are always people who need the community's support and care and we must work to improve the living conditions of those in need. At the same time, we are all faced with escalating costs in the provision of services for our elderly population. In Hong Kong, for instance, our recurrent expenditure on residential and community care services for the elderly has increased 280%, from $660 million in 1993 to $2.5 billion in 1998. There is a need for policy makers and service providers to ensure how we can continue to provide quality services in the face of rapidly rising costs.
In my view, care for elderly people is primarily a family responsibility. We are proud that more than 70% of elderly people in Hong Kong are taken care of by their families. This is a very good tradition which we will strive to maintain. For its part, the Government sets and implements sound policies and programmes to support families to care for the elderly. The Government also provides the necessary resources and infrastructure so that these plans can be satisfactorily implemented.
It is my firm belief that while longevity in life is important, but longevity must go with quality of life as one ages. With this in mind, I pledged in my Inaugural Speech on 1 July 1997 that the Government would develop a comprehensive package of measures to take care of the needs of our senior citizens, on the basis of three fundamental concepts: to provide them with a sense of security, a sense of belonging, and a sense of worthiness.
To take this goal forward, we have set up an Elderly Commission to advise Government on the formulation of a comprehensive policy for the elderly. I am pleased to announce that, over the past 22 months, the Commission has addressed a number of important issues. It has completed a comprehensive review on the housing and residential care needs of the elderly. The Government has now pledged to provide 30,000 public rental flats for the elderly and 8,000 new subsidised care places by the year 2002. The Commission has also initiated a review of the home help service to enable elderly people to continue to live in the community. It is important to instil in our elderly population a feeling of worthiness. I have visited several elderly homes and am pleased to note that many of our elderly people have participated in voluntary programmes organised by government departments and community organisations to help others in need. This shows their value to the community and also sets a fine example to our younger generations.
This year, the Commission will conduct a study to assess the quality of life of elderly people living in Hong Kong. The study will evaluate the effect and relative ranking of the various factors that our elderly population considers important in improving their sense of well being. I believe that the study will provide a valuable insight to the Government in understanding the needs and aspirations of our elderly population so that we may plan our service priorities accordingly.
I am delighted that Hong Kong has been given the privilege of hosting this important international meeting to commemorate the International Year of Older Persons. I hope that, over the next few days, the Conference will offer many opportunities for delegates to exchange ideas and strategies, to acquire new knowledge and skills, and to learn about solutions to problems from others' experiences. I have no doubt that, when this Conference is over, all of you will have gained not only a deeper understanding of the complexity and challenges of the ageing problem, but also a better insight into how the various issues can be addressed in the most effective manner.
I would like to thank the organisers for making this Conference possible, and extend a warm welcome to all international friends who have travelled from different parts of the world to be here in Hong Kong.
Now, may I declare open the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for the International Year of Older Persons.
Thank you very much.
END/Monday, April 26, 1999
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