FSS proposes lowering inflation threshold for pension adjustments to 2%

[Photo: Lynzy Valles]

Authorities have announced a series of new measures for the elderly, including a proposal by the Social Security Fund (FSS) to make old-age pension adjustments more frequent by lowering the inflation threshold required to trigger reviews.

The proposal was revealed during a community forum organized by public broadcaster TDM Radio.

The idea stems from Macau’s 10-Year Action Plan for Elderly Services, which projects that by 2036, one in five Macau residents will be elderly.

Following the report, the Administrative Committee of the FSS commissioned an academic institution to study the mechanism used to adjust social security benefits.

According to the study, the inflation threshold required to trigger adjustments to pensions and other social security benefits should be lowered to 2%.

Chan Pou Wan, president of the committee, said the report also recommends that if inflation does not reach the 2% threshold for three consecutive years, authorities should still consider adjusting benefits based on factors such as public opinion and the financial condition of the social security system.

She added that the proposal is still under discussion by the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs.

The announcement comes as Macau faces rapid population aging. Authorities estimate the city will become a super-aged society within the coming years, with seniors living alone or only with a spouse expected to account for as much as 40% of the elderly population.

At Tuesday’s forum, Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) president Wilson Hon said nearly 30,000 elderly residents living alone or in two-person elderly households have completed registration under a citywide census initiative finalized in March.

According to Hon, the data has already been incorporated into Macau’s public emergency response system.
He said the registration process identifies high-risk cases through questionnaires, establishes referral mechanisms with the Health Bureau (SSM), and arranges home visits by social workers and volunteers.
Authorities also plan to expand the database through online submissions via the “Macao One Account” platform.

To address the needs of an aging society, the government is promoting a “15-minute elderly community service circle” pilot program in Seac Pai Van, integrating cultural, sports, and community services through a digital platform.

Meanwhile, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) said local higher education institutions currently provide more than 5,000 course places for seniors, a number expected to rise above 9,000 this year.

Additional courses on emotional management, cultural heritage, and culinary arts are also planned.
Separately, the Sports Bureau (ID) announced more than 50 activities for different age groups during the second half of the year, including Tai Chi and Rongli Ball programs specifically designed for seniors.