Age-friendly neighbourhoods as civic participation : implementation of an active ageing policy in Hong Kong

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

Journal of Social Work Practice

Publication Date

2015

Volume

29

Issue

1

First Page

53

Last Page

68

Publisher

Routledge

Keywords

age-friendly neighbourhoods, civic participation, active ageing

Abstract

In response to challenges brought by population ageing, Hong Kong has adopted an active ageing policy framework and built age-friendly neighbourhoods to encourage the participation of older people. This article distinguishes between the civic and political participation and emphasizes active involvement in community and neighbourhood activities as a way to encourage the civic engagement of older adults. The promotion of age-friendliness is set at two levels: concerning policy and practical/operational issues, both of which are interrelated with the purpose of offering civic engagement opportunities for older people. The experiences of Hong Kong reflect both top-down and bottom-up approaches, where civic participation is promoted by encouraging life-long learning and developing caring communities, as well as carrying out a variety of neighourhood programmes. It is suggested that different stakeholders, such as older adults, NGOs and other social organizations, shall all be included and play important roles in promoting civic participation of the elderly through creating a conducive environment. The initiatives, whether these are in policy or at operational levels, should be integrated into actions that are aimed to enhance quality of life for all residents and create a more age-friendly neighbourhood.

DOI

10.1080/02650533.2014.993947

Print ISSN

02650533

E-ISSN

14653885

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2015 GAPS

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Chan, C.-M. A., & Cao, T. (2015). Age-friendly neighbourhoods as civic participation: Implementation of an active ageing policy in Hong Kong. Journal of Social Work Practice, 29(1), 53-68. doi: 10.1080/02650533.2014.993947

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