XN000022-1972-05-15 — Page 6

6.

Monday, May 15, 1972

"In this way", says Mr. Heppell, "we believe we can make a

contribution more quickly and more effectively",

The working party has decided that the term "elderly" will cover

all persons aged 60 and above.

Information from the 1971 census shows that 7.4 per cent of the population

fall into this category, or 293,273 residents. A decade earlier, the

total was 151,592.

With the general improvement of health services and nutrition, the

working party expects the number of old persons in the population to continue

rising steadily.

Working Party

But before the working party can put forward proposals, it has to

bring together, collate and analyse existing information and experience on

the needs of the elderly in Hong Kong.

Although members between them already have a fairly wide range of

experience in this field, the working party is anxious to take into account

all different points of view, and interested organizations and individuals

are invited to express their views to it.

"We want to make the best use we can of the experience and knowledge

of people in Hong Kong," Mr. Heppell explains. "Already I have been

approached by someone who knows about running clubs for the elderly and

who is very willing to share her experience with the working party.

"I am