A Commission on Poverty ad-hoc group will explore upgrades in health, financial assistance, daily living and social networks for the poor and elderly.

At its first meeting today, the group chaired by Tik Chi-yuen agreed to study:

* improving the medical fee waiver mechanism to help the elderly not on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance to access medical services, and strengthen preventive measures;

* the possibility of adjusting the CSSA assets limit for the elderly to take into account their special circumstances and needs;

* strengthening support to the "hidden elderly" through enhancing the role of support teams in the 41 district elderly community centres; and,

* collaborating with the Elderly Commission on initiatives to reinforce the social support and community network for the elderly.

Long-term issues

The group will also study long-term issues, such as retirement protection and long-term care for the elderly, and consider making longer-term policy proposals.

Mr Tik said: "Our community cares for the elderly. We devote a lot of resources and efforts to encourage healthy and positive ageing. It is time that we paid more attention to the elderly in poverty who are not yet assisted by the existing services and support.

"Some of the 'hidden elderly' are unaware of the existing services due to physical or social isolation. Some have complicated family circumstances. It is of utmost importance that we have a network to reach out to these elderly people in poverty, to help them integrate into the community so they can be supported and assisted when necessary."