Survey shows seniors favor Zhuhai as top retirement choice

A recent survey conducted by the Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) in collaboration with the University of St. Joseph has revealed a trend among the elderly in the region.

Nearly one-third of respondents expressed a desire to retire in cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), particularly favoring Zhuhai as their ideal location. These findings shed light on the evolving preferences of seniors seeking new living arrangements as they approach retirement.

The survey, which was conducted from May to October, collected 628 valid responses, predominantly from individuals aged 65 to 74.

Among those considering retirement in the GBA, an overwhelming 80% indicated a preference for Zhuhai. However, not all respondents were enthusiastic about relocating.

Many cited concerns such as differing living habits, insufficient social support, and inadequate medical facilities as barriers to their decision.

FAOM advocates for improved collaboration with service groups across the GBA to enhance the quality and accessibility of elderly care services. Ella Lei, vice-chair of FAOM, stressed the urgent need for the government to accelerate the implementation of various GBA projects aimed at enhancing elderly care.

“A new pilot program for elderly care should be established in Zhuhai,” Lei stated in a press conference yesterday.

The survey results indicated that among those contemplating retirement care in the GBA, over 80% favored Zhuhai as their preferred location. Furthermore, nearly 60% of respondents expressed a preference for home-based retirement care, while about 33% opted for community retirement care. The ongoing “Elderly Health Care Voucher GBA Pilot Scheme” has been instrumental in demonstrating effective cross-border elderly care solutions. Lei recommended optimizing this existing pilot project and establishing new initiatives in Zhuhai to better meet residents’ retirement needs.

Concerns regarding the current social support system were also highlighted during yesterday’s press conference, with nearly 50% of respondents indicating dissatisfaction with its effectiveness. Economic factors were also found to play a crucial role in retirement decisions.

The survey revealed that as personal income increases, so does interest in relocating to mainland cities within the GBA for retirement. However, overall data showed that 60% of respondents reported a monthly income of less than 5,000 yuan. Among this group, only 23% considered moving to mainland retirement care options. This disparity underscores the need for societal attention to the financial constraints faced by many seniors.

Additionally, more than 60% of respondents admitted they lack understanding of existing elderly care policies and legal frameworks within the GBA. Experts recommend that government outreach efforts be broadened and direct cross-border medical services be established to facilitate smoother transitions for retirees.

With aging population becoming a prominent issue in Macau, data from Statista shows that as of 2024, the average life expectancy is approximately 84.81 years.

The financial burden on seniors is significant with average annual expenses reaching around MOP28,498 (approximately USD3,500), largely driven by healthcare and daily living costs.

As interest in retirement within the GBA grows, collaborative efforts between the government and organizations are underway to enhance support systems and address the economic barriers faced by this demographic.

Nadia Shaw