CADENZA's Yuen Long event highlights importance of early health management

17 October 2009

According to a CADENZA survey, over 70% of elderly people in Hong Kong believe that the city's existing elderly services can meet their needs.  However, about 50% say they are unsure where to apply for the services and nearly 90% find the application procedures complicated.  With support from the Yuen Long District Council, the CADENZA 18-District Programme made its latest stop at Kingswood Ginza Phase II in Tin Shiu Wai today (17 October), to explain various elderly services provided by the Government and community organisations and address the importance of early management of one's health.

Guest speakers were Dr Bernard Kong, President of The Hong Kong Geriatrics Society and Tse Shu To, Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Tsuen Wan/Kwai Tsing) of Social Welfare Department.  They introduced the concept of "holistic medical care" comprising medical treatment, rehabilitation and prevention, as well as the enhancement of personal and family health.

Dr Kong gave the public an overall picture of the current medical services.  "Hospitals and specialist clinics under the management of the Hospital Authority provide medical treatment and rehabilitation services while the Department of Health is responsible for disease prevention and the enhancement of public health," he explained, noting that Social Welfare Department also allocated funding to community organisations for providing community support services for the elderly that range from elderly centres, day care unit to home help services etc.

Mr Tse said the application procedures were not as complicated as they might appear, as there was the Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services in place to identify the needs of each elderly applicant and match them with the appropriate services.  "Recently, the Social Welfare Department has put a focus on providing services to develop the elderly's potential and talents and promote a sense of worthiness among seniors," he said.  "We hope these services will enable our elderly to enjoy a more fruitful old age."

The two speakers were joined by artistes Chung Wai Ming, Linda Chung, Hinson Chou, Chelsea Tong and Ben Ting to highlight the importance of early management and investment for one's health and choosing appropriate services.  "A healthy lifestyle, correcting bad habits, doing more exercise and having a harmonious family are the keys to a golden old age," Dr Kong commented.

Highlights of the programme will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 5's "Brilliant Life" at 4:00 pm on Monday 26 October 2009.

The CADENZA 18-District Programme is a citywide public education initiative jointly organised by CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors and RTHK Radio 5.  It aims to promote positive ageing and equip the soon-to-be-old with knowledge that can help them continue to live an active and positive life.  A monthly programme of public interactive events and activities is being organised in each of Hong Kong's 18 districts in turn, starting from January 2009.  Details of the programme are available at: www.rthk.org.hk/special/cadenza.

CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors is a five-year project launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million in 2006.  The project aims at nurturing academic leadership in social gerontology and changing the mindset and attitude of the general public through a range of training and public education programmes.  Cross-sectional collaboration between organisations and the implementation of innovative elderly services and programmes are also encouraged in order to bring about a new mode of elderly care services to prepare for a rapidly ageing society.  Details of CADENZA are available at www.cadenza.hk.

125th Anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.