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