Residential Age Segregation: Evidence from a Rapidly Ageing Asian City

Abstract

The problem of residential age segregation has been relatively under-studied, since spatial separation of older and younger people tends to be normalized. Prior literature demonstrates that age segregated environments may be socially isolating, especially for older adults, which may have detrimental impacts on their physical and mental health. While there are some studies on residential age segregation in Western contexts, there is scarce literature on age segregation in Asian cities. This mixed methods study examines changing patterns of residential age segregation in Hong Kong, through analyzing a combination of secondary census data and qualitative, in-depth interview data. The findings reveal that the extent of age segregation has remained consistently low from 2006 to 2016, although age segregation appears to be more pronounced between young adults in their early 20s and older adults above 65. Furthermore, in-depth interviews with 26 older people reveal that older people perceive themselves as being socially separated from younger people, especially older people who remain in ageing housing estates in urban districts. The findings add to the growing international literature on generational divides in spatial inequalities, while highlighting the influence of local housing policies on age segregation. The paper concludes by considering the policy implications of the findings, and the practical interventions that might contribute to reducing social isolation experienced by older people.