The Government is dedicated to building an age-friendly environment with a host of proposed measures, including the provision of access and resting facilities and transport improvements for the elderly, as outlined in the 2016 Policy Address today.
Chief Executive CY Leung said the Government will enhance barrier-free access to public walkways by pressing ahead with the remainder of 180 projects in Hong Kong's 18 districts and constructing lift and walkway systems in certain districts for convenient access.
On transport, Mr Leung said the Government will examine the use of information technology to allow longer pedestrian crossing time at road junctions, and introducing a new interface and functions to the Transport Department’s HKeTransport app to make it more age-friendly.
Other elderly-friendly proposals include increasing the provision of recreational facilities in public housing estates, having additional chairs or priority seats in public facilities, and incorporating more age-friendly designs when planning and constructing new public space and facilities.
The Government will continue to reserve sites for elderly care facilities and provide additional resources for district councils to build age-friendly communities, he added.
Parallel to the aging population is the continuous decrease in the work force. The Chief Executive said to lure back Hong Kong people studying and working overseas, the Government will set up a dedicated information platform.
