Second ‘10-Year Action Plan’ for elderly services to launch this year

Ho Fun Ngan, director of the Lai Yuen Centre of the Women’s General Association of Macau, told the media during a recent Chinese New Year celebration dinner that she hopes the new “10-Year Action Plan for Elderly Services,” set to launch this year, also prioritizes support for caregivers and elderly care needs based on statistics from the previous plan.

The president said that by utilizing big data statistics, the elderly service plan can be more comprehensive, allowing for a stronger focus on the rights and needs of elderly caregivers, alongside continuing to care for the elderly.

She added that many caregivers currently face multiple pressures, with a significant proportion coming from dual-income families.

These caregivers must manage their own households while also caring for two or even four elderly parents, facing challenges in time management, financial burdens, and other aspects.

Some caregivers lack the necessary knowledge and skills for elderly care, making it difficult to handle emergencies. At the same time, they often have limited access to information and struggle to obtain appropriate support resources, leading to prolonged mental stress.

The women’s a ssociation’s various centers have also received related requests for help, with core demands focusing on mental relief, time management assistance, and financial support.

Speaking to the media, association representative Lam Kit Ieng stated that in the new year, the newly elected board of directors and supervisory board will collaborate to fully support the government in accordance with the law and assist in implementing the “10-Year Action Plan for Elderly Services.”

The association will continue to focus on improving the quality of life for the elderly, advocating for the provision of social security and social services such as elderly subsidies, pensions, and caregiver allowances, while staying attuned to economic and social realities to provide greater security for the elderly.

The Elderly Committee announced last year that the first plan, launched in 2016, concluded with a 99.3% rate of completion. A total of 444 measures were implemented, covering four key areas: healthcare and social services, rights protection, social participation, and the living environment.

Several achievements were made possible due to the first plan, including the launch of the Macao Union Hospital, the establishment of a dementia diagnosis and treatment center, the enactment of the Elderly Rights Protection Legal System, the implementation of a two-tier social security system, expansion of branch campuses of the Seniors’ Academy, and waivers of bus fares for seniors.

Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) director Wilson Hon said last year that by 2029, Macau will enter a super-aged society, with the elderly population rising to 21.4%.

He also said that the second 10-Year Action Plan will focus on comprehensive health, smart technology, the silver economy, and creating an age-friendly, inclusive environment. Ricaela Diputado