SCMP: Hong Kong's New Database Initiative for Vulnerable Elderly Support
SCMP Reports on Elderly Support Initiative
Hong Kong welfare authorities are hoping to establish a database of at-risk elderly within the next two years, bringing together information from various departments and other entities following a string of tragedies involving older residents.
Understanding the Need for a Proactive Approach
Speaking at the Jockey Club’s Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum on Tuesday, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han stated that the government aimed to utilize “the big data already in place” to support such elderly residents.
- Proactive vs Reactive Responses: The current approach to tragedies involving at-risk elderly residents tends to be reactive.
- Linking Existing Data: Authorities aim to connect various sets of data from organizations like NGOs and the Hospital Authority.
Targeted Support Strategies
Sun emphasized that connecting data would allow the city to identify vulnerable households effectively. “Older people often overestimate their abilities,” he added, highlighting a need for timely intervention.
- Identify high-risk elderly families.
- Ensure timely checks by authorities.
- Utilize technology and data efficiently.
Lawmakers and social workers have called for a centralized database to monitor at-risk elderly residents, especially following several recent tragedies that could have been prevented.
The Application of Data in Elderly Care
Data can help shape precise support strategies instead of reactive measures. Sun noted, “This is what I hope to achieve in the coming one or two years.”
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.