Impacts of housing design and facilities to the social well-being of elerly in Hong Kong

Abstract

Hong Kong, like many other cities are facing the problem of aging population, projecting to reach 36% of the population by 2046 (D&SD, 2023). Meanwhile, as well-being becomes more important in a country’s development, the increase of elderly population means an increase in importance of elderly well-being. This study focuses on how housing facilities and design in elderly housing would affect the social well-being of elderly in Hong Kong. And evaluate then provide suggestions of the current status of Hong Kong’s policies and existing projects in providing housing features for social well-being. A mixed methodology is to be used in this study. A systematic literature review is first to be done in identifying housing facilities and design that facilitate social well-being; an interview with an experienced social worker is done to obtain insight on the social needs of Hong Kong elderly, and the whether the previously identified SLR features apply in the Hong Kong context; lastly a questionnaire survey is given to Hong Kong elderly in finding their self-reported social well-being and building features in their neighborhood, where a correlation analysis finds several specific housing features attribute to social well-being. A list of social well-being beneficial housing features is generated, where features like intergenerational living designs, greenery, activity classes and performances can enhance elderly social-wellbeing, while markets and restaurants do help social coherence or actualization, it to a certain extent may negatively affect elderly’s social acceptance. Features of foreign examples of elderly housing like vertical development or provision of attractions are also taken as good references solutions for better use of public space and maintaining connections to the outside world. The current elderly housing guidelines are quite limited, only addressing features like furniture placement, outdoor access and amenities to encourage elderly in venturing out. But are not able to provide more specified designs to be adopted or consider recommendations with direct benefits to social well-being. It is found that the current features in elderly housing in Hong Kong lacks emphasis and consideration on social well-being, and both the elderly housing projects and guidelines mainly focuses on accessibility due to physical or cognitive impairments of the elderly. It is suggested that in general a more variety of different features and housing arrangements are to be provided such as to cater the vastly different needs of the Hong Kong elderly, future projects could follow the generated list of suggested housing features to enhance their standards to catering elderly social well-being.