Hong Kong must first improve its elderly care before euthanasia can be discussed

Hong Kong’s ageing time bomb a cause for concern

No one should deny the need is serious. In Hong Kong, people over 65 have the highest suicide rate among all age groups; at 23.5 per 100,000 people, it is double the rate of the general population. Despite this, the problem has attracted little media attention, especially when compared with the attention on youth suicides.

Depression is a major factor contributing to a loss of meaning in life and the development of suicidal thoughts among older adults. Other factors include poor physical health, substandard living arrangements, a lack of social support and an inability to take care of themselves. The problem could be compounded if the duty of care falls on an elderly life partner who also needs help.

All these problems have led some elderly people to see themselves as a burden to their family.

Our government must provide the necessary support.

In 2014, Hong Kong’s chief executive initiated a study to identify elderly needs, aimed at achieving “ageing in place”, or moving towards community-based care, as opposed to residential homes. Two years later, an Elderly Services Programme Plan was unveiled. The report showed that many elderly people and their family still preferred subsidised residential care services to community care services, as it was not safe for the elderly people to be left home alone. Yet, the current wait for these services in Hong Kong is about one to two years.

Watch: Why a nonagenarian Hong Kong caretaker feels longevity is a curse

Actually, ageing in place is the more pragmatic option, especially in view of the acute shortage of institutional care places. But this could work only if the necessary support services and infrastructure are in place. At the moment, there is a disconnect between the policy agenda and actual service provision.