Author: Jean Woo
Publisher: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press
ISBN: 9882373135
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 121
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Book Description
Health is not just the absence of disease. In an era when living to 100 is becoming more common, our concept of ageing must evolve. While Hong Kong people enjoy the world's longest life expectancy, an important question arises: Are we truly achieving healthy ageing? In this book, Professor Jean Woo addresses a diverse array of challenges associated with the elderly population in Hong Kong society, including issues like elderly poverty, unfriendly community designs, unfair stigmatization faced by seniors, and late-life loneliness. Drawing on extensive research and clinical experience, she advocates for self-care, education, and empowerment, encouraging us to move beyond dependence on doctors and medications. Ageing is inevitable, yet we can control how we age. -------------------------------------------------------------- By 2046, 36% of Hong Kongers will be ‘older adults’. Take Charge of Your Own Ageing is a timely publication to remind our society about the significance of co-creating a city that is environmentally and socially friendly towards the physical, mental and social well-being of an ageing population with a 100-year lifespan. This book is a must-read for policymakers, businessmen, NGOs, older adults and caregivers. Collaborative and intersectoral efforts are needed to foster age-friendly policies, measures and places, empowering older adults to take charge of their own lives instead of being passive care recipients. —Professor Ng Mee Kam Director, Urban Studies Programme, CUHK Even in her seventies, Professor Jean Woo has kept the fire in her heart burning. With her unwavering commitment to health, she herself is a demonstration of living a life to the fullest against a ticking clock. Not only is she outspoken, but she also takes seriously her commitment to improving the health of Hong Kong people through community services, gerontechnology, and countless studies on well-being. This book records what Prof. Woo, as an authority of on gerontology, has observed in the hospitals and communities in Hong Kong over the past half century. She is frank enough to point out the various problems behind the façade of Hong Kong people’s longevity: How can the health indicators of the elderly be the same as those of the general population? Apart from the general differences in health problems and treatments between men and women, the elderly also suffer from deleterious effects of loneliness and social isolation after the pandemic as the outcome of health inequalities. — Chan Hiu Lui Chief Editor of Big Silver Over the past two to three decades, the WHO has endeavoured to promote universal health and develop primary healthcare, emphasising that collective efforts from various sectors of society are necessary to achieve good health for all, and maintain the quality of life in old age by improving areas ranging from urban design, public services, private market operations, education, employment, housing, food safety, to social inclusion, community participation, and poverty eradication. In other words, we need to plan for a ‘healthy city’. Both Prof. Woo and I have happened to promote interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral collaboration within communities, to encourage everyone to take their awareness of health to the next level— taking appropriate health actions with improved health literacy. I hope for a complete change in Hong Kong society, whether it is a change in our vision of life or our social culture and socio-economic operations that prompt us to think only the healthcare system is responsible for handling wellbeing issues. Just as Prof. Woo said we cannot simply ‘relying on doctors, investigations and drugs, accompanied by unrealistic expectations that bad health outcomes can be avoided if you do what the doctors tell you’. After all, why do we strive to maintain good health? Isn’t it because there is nothing more important than living well and dying well? —Dr Fan Ning Founder of Health In Action & Chairman of Forget Thee Not
Author: Jean Woo
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441983546
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 288
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Book Description
With the longest life expectancy for men and the second longest for women, Hong Kong typifies our planet’s aging population. The daily lives of its older adults closely match the advantages and disadvantages experienced by urban elders in other developed countries. For these reasons, Hong Kong’s elderly serve as a salient guide to older people’s social, psychological, and healthcare needs—concerns of increasing importance as the world grows older. Aging in Hong Kong examines this emblematic population as a case study specifically in comparison with their counterparts in the West, shedding light on diverse, interrelated currents in the aging experience. Referencing numerous international studies, the book contrasts different health service arrangements and social factors and relates them to a variety of health outcomes. Its wide-ranging coverage documents health and illness trends, reviews age-friendly policy initiatives, relates health literacy to patients’ active role in their own care, and discusses elders as an underserved group in the division of limited health funding and resources. This multiple focus draws readers’ attention to policies that need revisiting or retooling as chapters analyze major life areas including: Living environment. Retirement and post-retirement employment issues. Financial asset management. Health literacy regarding aging issues. Elder-positive service delivery models. Ageism in the prioritization of healthcare. End-of-life issues. By assembling such a wealth of data on its subject, Aging in Hong Kong puts ongoing challenges into clear focus for gerontologists, sociologists, health and cross-cultural psychologists, public health policymakers, and others involved in improving the quality of elders’ lives.
Author: United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789211091540
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 216
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Book Description
Greater longevity is an indicator of human progress in general. Increased life expectancy and lower fertility rates are changing the population structure worldwide in a major way: the proportion of older persons is rapidly increasing, a process known as population ageing. The process is inevitable and is already advanced in developed countries and progressing quite rapidly in developing ones. The 2007 Survey analyses the implications of population ageing for social and economic development around the world, while recognising that it offers both challenges and opportunities. Among the most pressing issues is that arising from the prospect of a smaller labour force having to support an increasingly larger older population. Paralleling increased longevity are the changes in intergenerational relationships that may affect the provision of care and income security for older persons, particularly in developing countries where family transfers play a major role. At the same time, it is also necessary for societies to fully recognise and better harness the productive and social contributions that older persons can make but are in many instances prevented from making. The Survey argues that the challenges are not insurmountable, but that societies everywhere need to put in place the policies required to confront those challenges effectively and to ensure an adequate standard of living for each of their members, while respecting and promoting the contribution and participation of all.
Author: Margaret Webb
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 072958884X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 117
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Book Description
Stories in Ageing 2e presents an insightful collection of personal stories as told by a range of older people, carers, health professionals and family members. This unique resource offers nursing students and health professionals an extraordinary perspective on a range of topics related to ageing, including assisting and caring for the older person, the experience of ageing within a culturally diverse society, sexuality in the later years, maintaining independence at home and positive experiences of ageing. Available as a print or eBook, this valuable resource builds empathy and understanding, and provides examples of innovative approaches to care with a focus on reflection, inquiry and action. The teaching and learning strategies assist in developing skills, attitudes and mindfulness around ageing, with a strong focus on a person-centred and lived approach. A unique multilayered structure also promotes engagement with learners across diverse educational levels, ranging from certificate qualifications through to the undergraduate and postgraduate student. Most importantly, Stories in Ageing provides a much-needed consumer voice for the older person, their families and their carers. Including 10 chapters, each presenting a variety of stories from consumers, carers and healthcare professionals around a range of topics related to ageing. With 19 video stories embedded within eBook presenting personal accounts from a range of lived experiences. Reflection, inquiry and action provide the framework for the teaching and learning strategies for each story, aimed at certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Weblinks, references and readings are included for further reading and research. Transcripts of all interviews are included in the back of the book. An eBook included in all print purchases
Author: Keng Hua Chong
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317192397
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 238
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Book Description
Ageing population and rapid urbanisation are the two major demographic shifts in today’s world. Architectural designs and urban policies have to deal with issues of an ever larger elderly population living in the cities, especially in old urban neighbourhoods, while also taking into consideration the evolving lifestyles and wellbeing of the diverse elderly demographic. Being able to continue living in these existing urban neighbourhoods would thus require necessary interventions, both to adapt the changing needs of the ageing population and to improve the deteriorating environment for better liveability. Creative Ageing Cities discusses the participation and contribution of the ageing population as a positive and creative force towards urban design and place-making, particularly in high-density urban contexts, as observed in a collection of empirical cases found in rapidly ageing Asian cities. This book is the first to bring together multidisciplinary scholastic research on ageing and urban issues from across top six ageing cities in Asia: Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Through these case studies, this book gives a good overview of diverse challenges and opportunities in the various Asian urban contexts and offers a new perspective of an ageing and urban design framework that emphasises multi-stakeholder collaboration, inter-generational relations and the collective wisdom of older people as a source of creativity.
Author: John Nguyet Erni
Publisher: Hong Kong University Press
ISBN: 9888208349
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 251
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Book Description
People of South Asian descent are a large, varied and increasingly visible part of Hong Kong’s population. Most have found ways of prospering despite social and economic obstacles and widespread discrimination. Focusing on three important groups—Indians, Pakistanis, and Nepalese—Erni and Leung explore the cultural histories of South Asians in Hong Kong and their experiences at school and at work. The book then discusses how far South Asians’ legal rights are protected by recent anti-discrimination legislation, how they are presented in mainstream media, and how they in turn have made creative use of the media in their efforts to secure recognition as full members of society. Written in an accessible style and drawing on a range of case studies, Understanding South Asian Minorities in Hong Kong is intended primarily for university students and general readers. It will also be of interest to scholars in a wide variety of disciplines, including sociology, social work, media studies, anthropology, history, and cultural studies. At a time when minority rights come increasingly under scrutiny, this book will also be essential reading for advocates, politicians and policy-makers. “This is a comprehensive book on South Asians in Hong Kong. Its examinations of important issues affecting the community are well researched, well argued and supported. The inclusion of personal stories and vignettes also adds a sense of ‘living history.’ This book will certainly enhance the readers’ understanding of Hong Kong’s multicultural background, the advantage of a pluralistic society, and the steps towards further racial integration.” —York Y. N. Chow, Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission, Hong Kong “This is a striking example of cultural studies at its best: boldly interdisciplinary, smartly argued, engagingly written, and with a provocative set of policy recommendations to top it all off. Erni and Leung’s nuanced analysis of the politics of racism with respect to ethnic minorities in Hong Kong is a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in critical multiculturalism.” —Gilbert B. Rodman, University of Minnesota “For understanding the situation of South Asians in Hong Kong, this book is absolutely essential reading. It explores not only South Asians’ lives and histories in Hong Kong, but also Hong Kong laws, mass media, and educational policies as these affect South Asians. This book will be a valuable resource for years and decades to come.” —Gordon Mathews, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Author: Tine Buffel
Publisher: Policy Press
ISBN: 1447331311
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 312
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Book Description
This important book provides a comprehensive survey of different strategies for developing age-friendly communities, and the extent to which older people themselves can be involved in the co-production of age-friendly policies and practices.
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309448069
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 367
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Book Description
Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults.
Author: Jeanne Shea
Publisher: Berghahn Books
ISBN: 1789207894
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 433
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Book Description
Known for a tradition of Confucian filial piety, East Asian societies have some of the oldest and most rapidly aging populations on earth. Today these societies are experiencing unprecedented social challenges to the filial tradition of adult children caring for aging parents at home. Marshalling mixed methods data, this volume explores the complexities of aging and caregiving in contemporary East Asia. Questioning romantic visions of a senior’s paradise, chapters examine emerging cultural meanings of and social responses to population aging, including caregiving both for and by the elderly. Themes include traditional ideals versus contemporary realities, the role of the state, patterns of familial and non-familial care, social stratification, and intersections of caregiving and death. Drawing on ethnographic, demographic, policy, archival, and media data, the authors trace both common patterns and diverging trends across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Korea.
Author: Kevin G. Kinsella
Publisher: Bureau of Census
ISBN:
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 194
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Book Description
Provides statistical information on the worldwide population of people 65 years old or older.
