The
at mid-1991, 483,000 people, or 8% of the population, were over 65. This number is espected to increase to 810,000 by the year 2,006. problem of the elderly is a large and growing one, a problem that Hong Kong's existing social structures are inadequate to meet.
Traditionally, the elderly have relied upon the support of their families when they were too old to work. However, families are much and with the smaller now, at an average of 3.4 people per household, female labour participation rate increasing children are less willing than they were to look after their parents in old age. In many cases the children have emigrated, or moved to distant parts of the territory, and are not available to care for their parents.
Nor can most of today's elderly rely upon their savings. Those who are now old had their active working lives when the territory was at a much lower level of development, and wages correspondingly lower. These wages were often barely enough for day-to-day subsistence, and such amounts as they managed to save are totally inadequate in today's inflationary times.
According to a survey conducted by the Social Welfare Department in 1987, only 0.5% of people over the age of 70 enjoyed some form of retirement benefits, and only 4.5% lived on their savings. The rest were either dependent on their families for subsistence or
to continue working. It is a common sight throughout the territory to see elderly men and women labouring on building sites, or scavenging to
Home pick up waste paper or tin cans to sell at a few cents a pound.
This kind for many of these people is a wire cage in a crowded room. of hardship is no longer acceptable in Hong Kong's prosperous society.
More than 140 countries and regions around the world have set up contributory retirement schemes. More than one hundred of these are developing countries are at a lower stage of development than Hong Kong. Hong Kong can undoubtedly afford to provide for its elderly, and has the capability to administer such a scheme.
(3) Current provision for the elderly
o Old Age Allowance
A means tested Old Age Allowance of HK$393 per month is available for those over 60 years of age. For those over 70, a Higher Old Age Allowance of HK$425 is available. However, these sums are too small to
is also meet even the most basic needs. The Old Age Allowance means-tested and so many who do not want to subject themselves to the indignity of the test do not claim.
o Public Assistance
A means-tested Public Assistance Scheme is also run by the Government. At the end of 1990, an average of HK$1,200 per month was being paid to some 66,000 claimants, of whom an estimated 70% were
estimated 70% were elderly people. Those elderly people eligible for both the basic Public Assistance of (currently) HK$745 and the Old Age Supplement of HK$373 would receive an
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