Abstract:

Hong Kong is a leader among the newly industrializing countries, both in terms of its aging population (11+% of its people are now 60+ years of age) & in terms of economic growth. It has embarked on a comprehensive & integrated service program for the elderly, including sheltered housing within Hong Kong's public housing schemes, old people's homes, care-&-attention homes, & infirmaries. The private sector has also been growing rapidly in the 1980s, with a considerable recent increase of old people's homes. A voluntary code of conduct for this sector was introduced in late 1986, but concerns remain about the quality of care. Approaches to the provision of accommodation for the elderly are considered in the context of Hong Kong's overall social policy development. It is argued that Hong Kong provides a model for other newly industrializing countries.