Hong Kong: Embracing a Fast Aging Society With Limited Welfare

Abstract

With a noninterventionist government and an ideology emphasizing family self-reliance, yet one of the oldest populations around the world, Hong Kong faces many unresolved policy issues in aging, including public financial support, long-term care, and the lack of health or mental health care policies for older people. Despite funding limitations, research is vibrant and population aging is drawing more researchers into the field. Following a review of some of the major research activities, we conclude with some observations on a few key issues for the field of gerontology to move forward with in Hong Kong.