IAS initiates census and registration targeting senior citizens

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) has initiated a census and registration of senior citizens living alone and elderly doubletons this month, starting with a pilot program in Seac Pai Van and Praia do Manduco.

“We will prioritize Seac Pai Van due to its significant elderly population living in public housing complexes. Additionally, the Praia do Manduco district is an older neighborhood with a large number of elderly residents. A trial census and registration will be conducted in these two areas first, with plans to gradually expand to all districts of Macau in the future,” U Ka Wai, acting chief of the IAS Social Solidarity Department, told public broadcaster TDM in an interview.

This initiative follows IAS director Wilson Hon’s appearance on TDM’s radio program, where he stated that there are about 20,000 elderly people living alone or in doubleton households in Macau.

During the program, he revealed that the bureau is formulating a 10-year action plan for the next phase of elderly services and is collaborating with various local organizations to conduct the census and registration this month.

On issues related to super-aging, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam stated earlier this month that the proportion of elderly individuals aged 65 and above in Macau is currently 14.6%.

This figure is expected to rise to 21.4% by 2029, significantly exceeding the super-aging society threshold of 21%. By 2041, this proportion is projected to reach 24.8%.

Reportedly, the ongoing census and registration efforts aim to assess the living conditions of elderly individuals living alone and in doubleton households, thereby establishing a database to better understand their needs and optimize relevant services.

The bureau has announced the existence of eight home healthcare service teams, with plans to establish two additional community outreach teams for the elderly this year.

These new teams will collaborate with social service organizations to proactively offer care and essential support to elderly individuals who have not yet accessed social services.