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Club-funded survey reveals common myths about elderly depression

02/01/2018

Stress, health problems and a lack of social engagement are among factors that tend to contribute to the vulnerability of older people and cause higher risks of elderly depression or other major illness. To help address this challenge, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated over HK$87 million to initiate the three-year JC JoyAge: Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness (JC JoyAge), bringing together The University of Hong Kong and six NGOs in a cross-sector collaboration.  The project covers elderly people in four pilot areas, enhancing their resiliency to facing the challenges of ageing.

Part of the initiative involves commissioning the University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme to conduct a community-wide telephone survey, for the purpose of understanding the public’s awareness and attitude towards elderly depression. 

The findings of this survey were announced today (1 February) by JC JoyAge Project Director Professor Terry Lum and Co-Principal Investigator Dr Gloria Wong, both from HKU’s Department of Social Work and Social Administration, who were joined by the Club’s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung.

Mr Cheung observed that the Club had been putting emphasis on the quality of life of the elderly, and had designated Elderly Services as one of its strategic focus areas. “The Club hopes to promote positive ageing through a series of preventive support initiatives, thereby transforming the elderly’s role from a passive one to an active one, so that they can continue to interact with the community,” he said. “I hope everyone can care more about the older people around us and become their strong backing, enabling them to enjoy their life in the community.”

A random telephone survey was conducted in August and September 2017, covering 1,332 Hong Kong residents aged 20 or above. The study found that 52% of participants estimated that at least 10% of older people were depressed. Among them, half gave an estimate of over 30%, indicating that the public are aware of the prevalence of elderly depression. More than 80% of respondents said they were willing to help emotionally-distressed elderly relatives or neighbours. 

The survey also found there were three common myths about elderly depression among Hong Kong people, namely:

1)      ‘Elderly depression is normal’ – Half of the respondents were uncertain that depression was not a normal reaction to ageing. Some 40% believed that most older people who talked about committing suicide were not serious. These findings show that the public tend to normalise elderly depression, hence more public education is needed.

2)      ‘Elderly depression is easy to detect’ – Some 70% of participants believed that depression was easy to recognise in an elderly person who was physically ill. Opinion was divided (agree 52%; uncertain 48%) on whether memory problems were a sign of depression. These figures show that members of the public are not widely aware of how to identify elderly people with depressive symptoms.

3)      ‘Remind older people about their blessings’  – Regarding methods of handling elderly depression, 75% of respondents misunderstood that they could help depressed elderly people by telling them to ‘count their blessings’ or ‘look on the bright side’.

Depression is a common disorder in old age, which can be effectively treated or prevented. “People will generally associate ageing with negative images such as downheartedness, solitude and hopelessness, which easily normalises the phenomenon of elderly depression,” Professor Lum said. “Despite the physiological causes of elderly depression, psychosocial factors such as solitude and loneliness are also worth our attention because everyone in our society can make the change.”
  
Project Co-Principal Investigator Dr Wong reminded the public to pay more attention to changes in elderly people’s condition and their complaints, as elderly depression could be expressed as physical discomfort or cognitive problems. Also, spending more time with the elderly and exploring new interests with them could be helpful to enhance their resiliency in facing depression, she said. “Non-judgmental, empathic listening and companionship is vital.”

Since October last year, the JC JoyAge project has been implemented in four pilot areas, namely Kwun Tong, Kwai Chung, Tseung Kwan O and Sham Shui Po. In each of these areas, an Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness is partnering with a District Elderly Community Centre or an Integrated Home Care Service to provide holistic support to older people at risk or having mild to moderate depression. In additional, over 130 elderly ‘Peer Supporters’ have been recruited and received  100 hours’ training overall with practicum. More than 2,300 engagement sessions have also been conducted to reach nearly 150 depressed or at-risk elderly people in the community. For details, please visit: www.jcjoyage.hk.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.

The Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung says the Club is putting emphasis on the quality of life of the elderly.
The Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung says the Club is putting emphasis on the quality of life of the elderly.

The Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung (centre) with JC JoyAge Project Director Professor Terry Lum (2nd right) and Co-Principal Investigator Dr Gloria Wong (1st right) of HKUa£á?s Department of Social Work and Social Administration, joined by a£á?Peer Supportera£á? Ms Cho (1st left) and service recipient Ms Chan (2nd left).
The Cluba£á?s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung (centre) with JC JoyAge Project Director Professor Terry Lum (2nd right) and Co-Principal Investigator Dr Gloria Wong (1st right) of HKUa£á?s Department of Social Work and Social Administration, joined by a£á?Peer Supportera£á? Ms Cho (1st left) and service recipient Ms Chan (2nd left).

The Club's Head of Charities (Grant Making a£á¡§ Elderly, Rehabilitation, Medical, Environment & Family) Imelda Chan (right), a£á?Peer Supportera£á? Ms Cho (left) and service recipient Ms Chan (right).
The Club's Head of Charities (Grant Making a£á¡§ Elderly, Rehabilitation, Medical, Environment & Family) Imelda Chan (right), a£á?Peer Supportera£á? Ms Cho (left) and service recipient Ms Chan (right).

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