Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods as Civic Participation: Implementation of an Active Ageing Policy in Hong Kong

Abstract

In response to challenges brought by population ageing, Hong Kong has adopted an active ageing policy framework and built age-friendly neighbourhoods to encourage the participation of older people. This article distinguishes between the civic and political participation and emphasizes active involvement in community and neighbourhood activities as a way to encourage the civic engagement of older adults. The promotion of age-friendliness is set at two levels: concerning policy and practical/operational issues, both of which are interrelated with the purpose of offering civic engagement opportunities for older people. The experiences of Hong Kong reflect both top-down and bottom-up approaches, where civic participation is promoted by encouraging life-long learning and developing caring communities, as well as carrying out a variety of neighourhood programmes. It is suggested that different stakeholders, such as older adults, NGOs and other social organizations, shall all be included and play important roles in promoting civic participation of the elderly through creating a conducive environment. The initiatives, whether these are in policy or at operational levels, should be integrated into actions that are aimed to enhance quality of life for all residents and create a more age-friendly neighbourhood.

Keywords::

• age-friendly neighbourhoods
• civic participation
• active ageing

Notes

^1. Elderly dependency ratio is calculated as the number of persons aged 65 and over per 1000 persons aged between 15 and 64.

^2. The concept of Active Aging was first initiated by the aging expert Robert N. Butter (see Why survive?: Being old in America, 2002)

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alfred Cheung-Ming Chan

Alfred Cheung-Ming Chan is a Director and Chair Professor in the Asia Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University. Address: Asia Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, NT, Hong Kong, China. [email: [email protected]]

Ting Cao

Ting Cao is a Project Officer in the Asia Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University. Address: Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, NT, Hong Kong, China. [email: [email protected]]