Most residents lack confidence in financial sustainability of future elderly care, survey finds

Over 80% of survey respondents expressed concerns about elderly care, with most lacking confidence in the long-term financial viability of future arrangements.

The Macau Social Security Society has published the findings of its “Macau Silver Economy and Smart Elderly Care Demand Survey,” which gathered the views of 792 residents aged 50 or older on their demand for smart elderly care services, usage patterns, payment willingness, and expectations regarding the government’s role.

According to the survey findings, residents are broadly apprehensive about future elderly care risks. Specifically, 84.3% of respondents expressed concern over future care and medical costs, while only 19% reported having stable savings or financial arrangements in place. Furthermore, 29.9% of respondents indicated that they had been unable to make any preparations due to inadequate income.

While the majority of respondents are currently able to cover their basic living expenses, they generally lack confidence in the financial sustainability of future elderly care arrangements.

66.8% say finances are “sufficient” or “acceptable,” but over 33.2% find life “stressful” or “very difficult,” the survey shows.

The survey further revealed that while more than 60% of respondents were aware of smart elderly care products or services, actual usage stood at only 29.2%.

Respondents expressed the greatest desire for smart elderly care to assist with health monitoring, emergency support, and daily care – all functions related to personal safety. Smart home environmental controls and transport convenience were ranked as secondary priorities.

With regard to payment willingness, 83% of respondents indicated they could accept a monthly fee of no more than MOP300, while nearly 20% stated unequivocally that they were unwilling to pay. Approximately 75% of respondents expressed support for government subsidies or free provision of services.

The survey also found that the 50 to 64 age group – the potential elderly population – has already begun to exhibit concerns about elderly care risks and anxiety regarding technology use.

However, this group also demonstrated better learning capacity, suggesting that they represent a population segment that policies could target for early intervention. Around 70% of respondents said they found learning to use smart elderly care devices “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult.” Among the reasons for not using or abandoning smart elderly care products, “lack of understanding of the product” was cited by 30.6%, “cost burden” by 29.5%, and “difficulty of operation” by 18.4%.

In its concluding remarks, the association observed that Macau’s current elderly care policies and welfare provisions are “broadly inclusive but insufficiently targeted.” It urged the government to adopt a tiered support approach for the elderly, offering precise assistance calibrated to individual needs and financial circumstances, and to consider the integration of smart elderly care into the community care framework.