Action Plan of Tsuen

2017-2019 City-wide Action Plan for Age-friendly City

Tsuen Wan District, Hong Kong

Joint Project by Working Group on Age-friendly Community and Rehabilitation, Social Services and Community Information Committee, Tsuen Wan District Council The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University

Tsuen Wan District Age-friendly City Initiative (2014-2016)

In response to global ageing of population, the World Health Organisation (the “WHO”) devised the concept of “Global Age-friendly Cities” in 2005 to encourage active ageing by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. During 2006 and 2007, WHO collected opinions from the older people of 33 cities for the compilation of the “Global Age-friendly Cities: A Guide”, which outlines eight domains for assessing the age-friendliness of a city.

To promote Tsuen Wan District (the “District”) as an age-friendly community, the Social Services and Community Information Committee of Tsuen Wan District Council (the ‘Committee’), Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department and Office of Service Learning of Lingnan University have jointly launched the Tsuen Wan District Age-friendly City Initiative (the “Initiative”) in 2013. A bottom-up participatory approach was adopted to engage the elderly, the beneficiaries under the initiate, to analyze and express their views. A working group, which consists of the elderly, government officials, non-government organisations and scholars, has been formed to assess the age-friendliness of the District. The assessment report was turned out, and the three-year districtwide action plan (2014 to 2016) was formulated as the future development plan. The assessment report and the action plan had been submitted to the WHO to support Tsuen Wan’s application for the membership of Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) in January 2015, making Tsuen Wan the first “Age-friendly District” in Hong Kong.

1 Joint Effort (2015-2019) The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (‘The Trust’) has been implementing the Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project (‘the Project’) since August 2015. By taking a proactive role to tackle the challenges of the rapidly ageing population, the Trust joins hands with various stakeholders to transform Hong Kong into an age-friendly city (AFC) which can cater to the needs of all ages. The Project aims to build momentum in districts to develop an age-friendly community, recommend a framework for districts to undertake continual improvement, as well as arouse public awareness and encourage community participation. To facilitate the work of building Tsuen Wan an age-friendly district, the Committee and the Trust have been working closely with the Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies of Lingnan University, government departments, local agencies and various stakeholders. Under the Project, a baseline assessment that both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed, was conducted from July 2015 to February 2016. Five district-based programmes were implemented in the District between 2017 and 2018. Details are as follows: Batch I (May 2017-August 2017) The Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project – Home Improvement and Support Scheme (Target domain(s): housing, communication and Information)

Batch II (September 2017-January 2018) The Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project — Painless Living @ Tsuen Wan (Target Domain(s): social participation, community support and health services, communication and information, respect and social inclusion.)

Batch III (April 2018-September 2018) The Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project - Integrated Farm The Jockey Club Age-Friendly City Project: YCH Dialogue with E-Senses @ TW The Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project－Tsuen Wan Age-friendly Ambassador Training Program (Target Domain(s): housing, civic participation and employment, social participation, community support and health services, communication and information, respect and social inclusion)

A total of $1,359,700 was granted for the district-based programmes, and over 800 participants had joined the programmes.

2 Joint project by: - Working Group on Age-friendly Community and Rehabilitation, Social Services and Community Information Committee, Tsuen Wan District Council - The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust - Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019) 1. Support and monitor the progress of “Universally 1. A series of improvement works was carried out by 1. To monitor related Departments' effort in Accessibility Programme” of the Government, under Highways Department, including provision of steel enhancing the cleanliness and pleasantness of which lifts will be installed at suitable locations to barriers and handrails at the footbridge, along Tai Ho 1.1 Public areas are clean and pleasant. public areas, as well as setting up dog excreta provide barrier-free accesses for the pedestrians. Road and the public was kept informing about the collection bins or dog latrines with sufficient progress of the works through the webpage of District cleaning service. Council (DC). 2. Continue to implement suitable minor works 2. A number of minor works programmes have been programmes, such as installation of benches and completed to improve the local environment and the 2. To advise the concerned operators to improve Green spaces and outdoor seating are sufficient 1.2 covered walkways on streets. department keep implementing suitable minor works the incense burners and lower the volume of in number, well-maintained and safe. programmes, such as installation of benches and public address system (P.A. System) in temples. covered walkways on streets.

3. The Government introduced the new ordinance Buildings are well-signed outside and inside, 3. To monitor related Department's effort in starting from 24 September 2016 to empower the with sufficient seating and toilets, accessible 3. Monitor the Government’s law enforcement action improving the management and maintenance 1.3 FEHD and Police to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to elevators, ramps, railings and stairs, and against obstruction to the pavements. works of wet market to ensure the safety and deal with illegal shop-front extensions more non-slip floors. barrier-free accessibility. effectively. Outdoor Spaces 1 and Buildings 4. Encourage and appeal to private sectors for 4. Support and monitor the progress of “Universally 4. To suggest the Department(s) concerned to erect Pavements are well-maintained, free of providing more barrier-free accesses and facilities in Accessibility Programme” of the Government, under signage or notices on the footbridges to direct the 1.4 obstructions and reserved for pedestrians. shopping malls and other commercial premises. which lifts will be installed at suitable locations to pedestrian to the nearest resting areas in the provide barrier-free accesses for the pedestrians. District.

5. Anti-crime promotion, like telephone deception, 5. To monitor the progress of installation of Pavements are non-slip, are wide enough for pick-pocketing awareness through Senior Police fitness equipment for the elderly and shelters 1.5 wheelchairs and have dropped curbs to road Call and keep police patrol, especially in the for the existing elderly fitness corners in public level. crowded area, to enhance outdoor safety. housing estates by related Departments.

Pedestrian crossings are sufficient in number 6. To encourage the concerned Department(s) and safe for people with different levels and 6. Encourage and appeal to private sectors for and/or management companies to improve the 1.6 types of disability, with nonslip markings, providing more barrier-free accesses and facilities in management of the promenade within the private visual and audio cues and adequate crossing shopping malls and other commercial premises housing estates in the district, to keep the place times. clean and comfortable. Outdoor safety is promoted by good street 7. To continue the implementation of suitable 1.7 lighting, police patrols and community minor works programmes, such as installation of education. benches and covered walkways on streets.

Some of updated situation, new findings and suggestions are sourced from “2016 Baseline Assessment” under the “ Hong Kong Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project”, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust Joint project by: - Working Group on Age-friendly Community and Rehabilitation, Social Services and Community Information Committee, Tsuen Wan District Council - The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust - Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019)

Services are situated together and are 1.8 Outdoor Spaces accessible. and Buildings Public toilets outdoors and indoors are (Con’d) 1.9 sufficient in number, clean, well-maintained and accessible.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019)

1. Regular meetings of the Traffic and Transport Committee under Tsuen Wan District Council were held 1. To enhance the public transportation services Public transportation costs are consistent, 1. Continue to monitor and offer advice on traffic to discuss local traffic matters, including rationalization 2.1 for passengers travelling to the major temples clearly displayed and affordable. and transport matters. of the public transport services to improve the traffic during festivals. flow in the downtown area and to keep monitoring and offering advice on traffic and transport matters.

2. "Government Public Transport Fare Concession Public transportation is reliable and frequent, 2. Reflect to relevant Government Bureaus / 2. It is suggested that the public sector to install Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with 2.2 including at night and on weekends and Departments regarding the feasibility to expand the seats at all bus stops unless there is geographical Disabilities" was supported and well-received by the holidays. “Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme”. constraints or it is infeasible. elderly.

3. Programmes and activities organized by the District All city areas and services are accessible by 3. Organize community involvement activities to 3. To enhance the information on minibus service Council, such as Road Safety Carnival, etc., to promote 2.3 public transport, with good connections and promote and disseminate the message of road such as its frequency and routing provided by 2 Transportation and disseminate the message of road safety are well-marked routes and vehicles. safety. operators. well-received and supported by the community.

4. Territory-wide operation and educational programmes Vehicles are clean, well-maintained, were held by the Hong Kong Police Force regularly to 4. To promote the age-friendly service attitude to 2.4 accessible, not overcrowded and have priority combat illegal parking to alleviate traffic congestion, drivers. seating that is respected. and to prevent traffic accident.

Drivers stop at designated stops and beside the 5. To urge the franchised bus companies to install 2.5 curb to facilitate boarding and wait for 5. The caring attitude of bus drivers are commendable. display panels at bus stops to provide real-time passengers to be seated before driving off. bus service information

Transport stops and stations are conveniently located, accessible, safe, clean, well-lit and 2.6 well-marked, with adequate seating and shelter.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019)

Complete and accessible information is 2.7 provided to users about routes, schedules and special needs facilities.

Roads are well-maintained, with covered 2.8 drains and good lighting.

2.9 Traffic flow is well-regulated.

Roadways are free of obstructions that block Transportation 2.1 2 drivers’ vision. (Cont’d)

Traffic signs and intersections are visible and 2.11 well-placed.

Driver education and refresher courses are 2.12 promoted for all drivers.

Parking and drop-off areas are safe, sufficient 2.13 in number and conveniently located.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019) 1. Various types of public and private housing are also provided in the District to encourage young families to take care of their elderly parents or dependents in order 1. Monitor the pilot scheme of “Ageing-in-place” to promote harmony in the family. programme launched by the Hong Kong Housing - The Harmonious Families Priority Scheme (HFPS) of Sufficient, affordable housing is available in Society and Innovation and Technology 1. To monitor the progress of reconstruction/ Hong Kong Housing Authority offers priority to 3.1 areas that are safe and close to services and Commission in Clague Garden Estate. The renovation of old public housing estates to meet applicants living in public rental housing with elderly the rest of the community. scheme aims at enhancing the home safety of the requirement of age-friendliness. family members, to live in one flat or two nearby flats elderly through different information technology according to their choice of district and the availability applications and installations. of flats for their family situations. - Elderly housing, such as Clague Garden Estate, is provided with comprehensive facilities and services.

2. Make good use of existing maintenance services for Sufficient and affordable home maintenance the elderly provided by Urban Renewal Authority and 3.2 and support services are available. Hong Kong Housing Society and promote the existing services among the elderly. 3 Housing 3. Appeal to departments/ organizations handling housing matters (Hong Kong Housing Society/ Housing is well-constructed and provides safe 3.3 Housing Department) to discuss the maintenance and comfortable shelter from the weather. procedure and requirement in order to fit the age-friendliness.

Interior spaces and level surfaces allow 4. Support and monitor the improvement of barrier-free 3.4 freedom of movement in all rooms and facilities in public housing estates. passageways.

Home modification options and supplies are 5. Make good use of existing housing policy to rehouse 3.5 available and affordable, and providers the frail elderly to a suitable flat in public housing understand the needs of older people. estates.

Public and commercial rental housing is clean, 3.6 well-maintained and safe.

Sufficient and affordable housing for frail and 3.7 disabled older people, with appropriate 7 services, is provided locally.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019) 1. Organize community activities to enhance the understanding of the public about the needs of the senior 1. Encourage NGOs working on elderly services to 1. To appeal to NGOs to pay more attention to the Venues for events and activities are citizens; to show love and care for the elderly; to recruit youngsters as affiliated members with a needs of elderly when designing activities or 4.1 conveniently located, accessible, well-lit and promote inter-generational harmony and the importance view to enhancing intergenerational harmony and events (e.g. setting up of priority access for the easily reached by public transport. of respecting the old people and enable the general organize more young-old partnership projects. . elderly) public to learn about the age-friendly facilities and services in the district. Inter-generational activities, such as: - Rice Dumplings for the community- Largest Laughter Events are held at times convenient for older 2. Encourage NGOs to organize free activities for Yoga Class (Guinness world records) 2. To keep on organizing different kind of 4.2 people. the elderly. - Designation Ceremony for Tsuen Wan District Joins activities for the elderly in the district. the WHO ‘Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities’ and ‘Poon Choi Feast for the Elderly.’

Activities and events can be attended alone or 4.3 with a companion. 2. Free activities organized by TWDC and NGOs, such Social as: 3. To monitor the construction progress of 4 Participation Activities and attractions are affordable, with - Golden Oldies for the elderly "Redevelopment of the Sai Lau Kok Garden" 4.4 no hidden or additional participation costs. - Cantonese Opera for Celebration of the Chinese New Project, which will provide more space for Year organizing activities. Good information about activities and events - “Xiao Hua Dan” (young Cantonese opera performers) is provided, including details about 4.5 Love and Care for the Elderly Service Programme accessibility of facilities and transportation - The Healthy Elderly in Tsuen Wan options for older people. A wide variety of activities is offered to 3. The activities and information platforms offered by 4.6 appeal to a diverse population of older people. elderly centres and community units are sufficient. Gatherings including older people are held in various local community spots, such as 4.7 recreation centres, schools, libraries, community centres and parks.

There is consistent outreach to include people 4.8 at risk of social isolation.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019)

1. A Working Group on Age-friendly Community and Older people are regularly consulted by 1. Co-ordinate the efforts of Government Rehabilitation was established under the Tsuen Wan 1. To keep on providing age-friendly city 5.1 public, voluntary and commercial services on Departments and NGOs to promote District Council, to follow up on the Tsuen Wan ambassador trainings for the promotion of respect how to serve them better. inter-generational harmony. District Age-friendly City Initiative. Over 1/3 of the and social inclusion. members of the working group are the elderly.

2. The Social Service and Community Information Committee under Tsuen Wan District Council conducts Services and products to suit varying needs 2. Listen to views and suggestions in the report regular meetings with relevant government 5.2 and preferences are provided by public and submitted by the proposed “Tsuen Wan District departments, public organisations and commercial services. Age-Friendly City Coordinating Committee” . non-governmental organisations to provide support, coordination and implementation of various “age-friendly” tasks and activity plans. Respect and 5 Social 5.3 Service staff is courteous and helpful. Older people are visible in the media, and are Inclusion 5.4 depicted positively and without stereotyping. Older people are recognized by the 5.5 community for their past as well as their present contributions. Community-wide settings, activities and events attract all generations by 5.6 accommodating age-specific needs and preferences. Schools provide opportunities to learn about 5.7 ageing and older people, and involve older people in school activities. Older people who are less well-off have good 5.8 access to public, voluntary and private services.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019) A range of flexible options for older Appeal to all sectors, with the assistance of Labour 1. To promote and protect the rights of senior volunteers is available, with training, Department and Social Welfare Department, for 1. Seventy-five voluntary programmes organized by 6.1 employment under the existing laws and insurance recognition, guidance and compensation for enhancing the recruitment and employment Senior Police Call were completed. clauses. personal costs. opportunities for the elderly. 2. To appeal to the related Departments and NGOs 2. The Labour Department, Employee Retraining Board to provide short-term activities regularly and hire The qualities of older employees are well and NGOs provide specific services to enhance the 6.2 the elderly as the instructor of interest classes, promoted. understanding of the public about the employment for which are especially related to the elderly's the elderly. pre-retirement occupational skill. 3. District Council members in the District are close to 3. To encourage the related Departments and DC A range of flexible and appropriately paid the residents and willing to listen and collect residents’ members to use digital media and instant 6.3 opportunities for older people to work is opinions through various communication channels such messaging tools to spread out their news and promoted. as "Meet the Public Scheme". actions to the public. Civic 4. To promote government policies and collect Participation feedback through district forums, community 6 Training in post-retirement options is 4. Support the promotion of employment for elderly in and 6.4 groups and elderly centres, and encourage young provided for older workers. related Departments. Employment people to help in explaining existing government policies during the inter-generational activities.

Discrimination on the basis of age alone is 6.5 forbidden in the hiring, retention, promotion and training of employees.

Self-employment options for older people are 6.6 promoted and supported.

Decision-making bodies in public, private and 6.7 voluntary sectors encourage and facilitate membership of older people.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019) 1. Based on the result of the baseline study conducted in To further study the feasibility of establishing 2016, it is found that the elderly are still rely on A basic, effective communication system 1. To assist the elderly widely use communication 7.1 various kinds of channels for provision of clear and face-to-face oral communication, but the use of reaches community residents of all ages. technology. updated information to the elderly. smartphone to pass non-textual messages became popular. Regular and widespread distribution of 2. Existing close and reliable relationship between 7.2 information is assured and a coordinated, elderly centres and their elderly members enhance an centralized access is provided. efficient communication channel for providing information for the elderly. The good use of social Regular information and broadcasts of interest 7.3 network to disseminate and authenticate information in to older people are offered. the community is highly appreciated by the elderly. Oral communication accessible to older Communication 7.4 people is promoted. 7 and People at risk of social isolation get 3. Summaries and provides elderly-related information Information 7.5 one-to-one information from trusted and promote the usage among older persons and their individuals. family members. Public and commercial services provide 7.6 friendly, person-to-person service on request. Printed information – including official forms, 4. Keep increasing the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots for television captions and text on visual the elderly through Wifi.hk, Improvement Programme 7.7 displays – has large lettering and the main of Elderly Centres (IPED) and Jockey Club Elderly ideas are shown by clear headings and Facilities Modernization Scheme (JCEFMS). bold-face type. Print and spoken communication uses simple, 7.8 familiar words in short, straightforward sentences.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Plan Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains (2017-2019) Telephone answering services give 7.9 instructions slowly and clearly and tell callers how to repeat the message at any time. Electronic equipment, such as mobile Communication telephones, radios, televisions, and bank and and 7.10 7 ticket machines, has large buttons and big Information lettering. (Con’d) There is wide public access to computers and the Internet, at no or minimal charge, in public 7.11 places such as government offices, community centres and libraries.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains Plan (2017-2019)

1. Appeal to the Government for further improving the 1. To request related Departments to study the An adequate range of health and community 1. Appeal to the Government for further telephone appointment system of general out-patient feasibility of lowering the eligible age for the 8.1 support services is offered for promoting, improving the telephone appointment system of clinics, like giving clear notification at the beginning in Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme and the maintaining and restoring health. general out-patient clinics. case the service is fully booked and allow clients to Community Care Fund Elderly Dental Assistance provide information for staff to take follow-up actions. Programme.

2. 160 medical practitioners and 264 Chinese medical practitioners have joined the “Elderly Health Care 2. To appeal to related public sectors to introduce 2. Appeal to NGOs for promoting “The Elderly Home care services include health and Voucher Scheme" and it is much appreciated by the more accessible transport services (e.g. Rehabs and 8.2 Health Care Voucher Scheme” in the elderly personal care and housekeeping. elderly. Other health prevention work, like Easy-Access Buses) to and from the service units activities. Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, is provided for needy and hospitals in the district. elderly.

3. To monitor departments' effort in improving the Community 3. The first phase of the polite scheme of Health and social services are conveniently 3. Appeal to NGOs for promoting “The Pilot delivery of Information on Medical Social Services 8 and Health “Community Care Service Voucher” was completed 8.3 located and accessible by all means of Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher and PHUs, including the procedure of surrendering Services and the second phase of pilot scheme of " Community transport. for the elderly” in elderly activities. PHUs when older people move to elderly homes, so Care Service Voucher was launched in October, 2016. as to meet the requirement of age-friendliness.

4. To appeal to departments and NGOs to carry out Residential care facilities and designated older 4. Mental health services on elderly psychiatry and more promotion and support to carers, e.g. 8.4 people’s housing are located close to services self-financed day care centre for dementia patients are adjustment of the opening hours of elderly centres / and the rest of the community. provided in the district. collaboration with different service fields to provide service for carers.

5. Consultation at concessionary fees for the elderly Health and community service facilities are are offered by some private doctors and reserved 5. To monitor the progress of increasing the supply 8.5 safely constructed and fully accessible. quotas on out-patient consultation service for the of graves and niches in columbaria in the district. elderly in general out-patient clinics services.

2014-2019 Tsuen Wan District Action Plan Items

Age-friendly Suggested follow-up action in 2014 Action Suggested follow-up actions* WHO Checklist Updated actions (till December, 2016)* City Domains Plan (2017-2019)

Clear and accessible information is provided 6. To advocate the concept of “medical and social 8.6 about health and social services for older integration” when providing health care services in people. the community.

Delivery of services is coordinated and Community 8.7 7. To monitor the out-patient services in the district. administratively simple. and Health 8 Services All staff are respectful, helpful and trained to 8. To encourage NGOs to provide nutritious meals 8.8 (Cont’d) serve older people. for the elderly. Economic barriers impeding access to health 8.9 and community support services are minimized. Voluntary services by people of all ages are 8.10 encouraged and supported.