Over 10 per cent of Hong Kong elderly persons show signs of depression, survey finds
Financial pressure and relationships cited as main sources of stress
More than one in 10 elderly persons in Hong Kong display signs of depression or even early symptoms of suicidal behaviour, according to a recent survey by a non-governmental organisation.
The group urged the government to establish a nursing centre to detect and help elderly persons suffering from mental health problems. It also urged lowering the age threshold for the ‘elderly health voucher’ from 70 to 65.
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Elderly service coordinator Maggie Siu Wing said it was important to pay attention to elderly persons’ mental health given their rapidly rising numbers.
“It is also quite common for elderly to feel they are useless and redundant,” Siu added. “This is the root of their having negative feelings and developing depression.”
The survey polled 1,218 elderly individuals aged 60 or above who were receiving the group’s services in five districts around town.
Their mental health conditions were measured according to the Geriatric Depression Scale, a 30-item self-reporting assessment used to identify depression in the elderly. A score higher than eight suggests depression.
In the survey, around 11 per cent scored an eight, suggesting that their mental state required professional assistance.
