Implementing Aging in Place in Hong Kong: Meeting the Needs and Aspirations of Older Adults and Their Caregivers Living in Private Housing

Abstract

A policy of aging in place should be accompanied by physical and social environments that support healthy aging. This article describes how a property development company in Hong Kong sought to elicit the views of older people and their caregivers towards elderly services through a market research company, using questionnaire surveys followed by focus groups. Over 80% of all participants rated healthy dietary habits and exercise, maintaining mental and spiritual health, and maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle as important. Current health concerns include long waiting times for care at public hospitals, lack of carer should dependency occur, and lack of information about what services are available in the community. Interests in services in their neighbourhood include medical care (82%), healthy lifestyle activities (66%), and home care support (55%). There was considerable interest in the provision of services that improve brain and physical function, as well as general health checks. Carers were willing to pay more for services compared with older adults themselves. The findings inform the development of pilot models of aging in place as a sustainable financial model.