First batch of elderly residents to move into their units in October

The first batch of seniors is expected to move into their flats in October, with the remaining 700 units to be opened to tenants next year.

The senior housing project in Areia Preta consists of around 1,400 studio-style flats set in towers, along with community facilities.

Units will be allocated on a points-based system, and residents will be able to lease the flats for a three-year term, which is renewable,

However, concerns have been raised about the affordability of the housing.

One resident in his sixties expressed worries, stating, “Elderly people of that age don’t have any income. Even if they do have income, it’s miniscule,” according to a TDM report.

The government has acknowledged the affordability issue, with Hon Wai, director of the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), stating the housing was aiming at providing a higher standard of accommodation to residents who were older aged but financially independent.

The IAS has received over 1,500 applications, and qualified applicants will be invited in order of point ranking to select their apartments.

Just last month, Macau’s government has significantly increased the number of units available in the first phase of a new housing project for seniors, nearly doubling the original quota in an effort to better accommodate the territory’s growing elderly population.

The expansion adds over 1,500 units to the initial phase, increased from the original 759 units. Nadia Shaw