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The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
More than 2,000 volunteers today (January 31) participated in the 'Volunteer for Seniors Day' to send warm regards to more than 900 elderly tenants living alone in 50 public rental housing estates.
Officiating at the kick-off ceremony of 'Volunteer for Seniors Day 2010', the Chairman of the Housing Authority (HA), Ms Eva Cheng, said that 'aging in place' has been one of the important considerations of HA's housing policies and public housing designs.
"We have introduced a series of enhanced allocation schemes and management measures for public rental housing to encourage more young family members to take care of their parents or elderly relatives," Ms Cheng said, adding that HA has adopted Universal Design for all new public housing estates starting from 2002 to provide a barrier-free living environment which can allow tenants to age in place.
Moreover, HA has implemented a number of improvement programmes in aged estates to facilitate the elderly. These programmes include installation of additional lifts, installation of handrails and ramps in public areas as well as provision of recreational facilities suitable for the elderly.
The 'Volunteer for Seniors Day' is co-organised by HOPE worldwide and HA. This is the fourteenth year that the two organisations jointly arrange volunteers to visit the elderly living alone in public housing.
During today's home visit, volunteers helped clean and redecorate homes of the elderly in need. They also made use of the chance to promote healthy living and the importance of physical exercise to health as well as tips on prevention of fall. A 'fortune bag' containing daily commodities and spring scrolls with best wishes for the festive season was presented to each elderly tenant.
Ends/Sunday, January 31, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:41
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