Housing authorities expand use of smart technologies to support elderly

he number of people aged 65 and above in Hong Kong is expected to nearly double from 1.45 million in 2021 to 2.74 million in 2046.

Photo: Karma Lo Hong Kong’s housing authorities will expand the use of smart technologies, such as door sensors, in-home fall detectors and stair climbers, to enhance safety and convenience for elderly residents at public estates as the city’s population ages.

Michael Hong Wing-kit, deputy director of housing overseeing estate management, said a pilot scheme to install sensors, which track door activity and send alerts, in public flats with elderly occupants would be expanded to include Tung Wui Estate in Wong Tai Sin and Tin Yan Estate in Tin Shui Wai.

Under a separate initiative, indoor fall detectors will be fitted in about 200 households where elderly people live alone or with just a spouse.

The devices, which can also detect periods of prolonged inactivity, can automatically connect to a 24-hour care-on-call centre.

To help the elderly and those with mobility impairments, stair climbers will be introduced at public estates.

The aids were tested by suppliers at Yau Oi Estate and Lok Fu Estate starting in January.

Hong noted that last year’s policy address highlighted a strategy of “ageing in place” as a core element, with institutional care as a backup, adding that authorities would do more to build an age-friendly community. “The whole government is working together as Hong Kong’s population ages,” he said.

The number of people aged 65 and above in Hong Kong is expected to nearly double from 1.45 million in 2021 to 2.74 million in 2046, when more than one in three residents will be elderly, according to official projections.

The 2021 census showed that more than 188,000 people aged 65 and above lived alone, while about 396,000 elderly residents lived with only their spouse.

Of the roughly 2 million people living at public rental housing estates under the Housing Authority, around 740,000 are aged 60 or above, accounting for more than a third of the total.

Michael Hong, deputy director of housing overseeing estate management, says all of government is working together as Hong Kong’s population ages.

Photo: Edmond So Authorities have been urged to make better use of technology to support elderly residents, especially those living alone or with only a spouse.

Last year, the Housing Authority launched a pilot scheme to install door sensors in elderly residents’ homes at two public housing estates – Wan Hon Estate

原文链接: 南华早报