The Macau General Union of the Neighbourhood Associations urged local youth to explore the potential benefits of the senior market in the region, while the Social Welfare Bureau encouraged employment for the elderly within non-profit organizations.
During TDM’s weekly forum held on Sunday’s morning, Lau Veng Si, the vice-president on the board of directors at the general union, advised the government to take the initiative to introduce the elderly demographic to local youth starting their own businesses.
According to the bureau, the elderly population is estimated to surge to over 150,000 by 2036, suggesting that one in five people in the city will then be aged 65 or above. Lau described the phenomenon as a “direction [in which] to develop.”
Likewise, Choi Sio Un, who presided over the region’s social solidarity affairs at the bureau, said that the authorities would investigate the possibility of initiating non-profit business units, the operations of which would be entrusted to local civil groups. Employment of elderly individuals would be made mandatory.
Choi also disclosed that a senior-care subvention scheme for low-income households was under consideration by the authorities and that the results of the deliberation would be available in 2018.
The government is currently seeking public opinion on its action plan and its mechanism framework for the region’s aged population.
(macaunews/ macaudailytimes)
