Press Releases

Community Partnership Scheme to promote healthy ageing

In support of the Healthy Ageing Campaign organised by the Elderly Commission, twenty-one district organisations and elder service units are organising a variety of 30 programmes under the auspices of the Community Partnership Scheme from today (May 1) to mid May to widely disseminate the concept of healthy ageing.

The Community Partnership Scheme has approved approximately six million dollars in its first round of funding allocation for 42 programmes serving approximately 190,000 participants, in particular older persons, from various sectors of the community. 

The programmes are gradually rolling out and the 30 programmes to be held in 14 districts over the territory between May 1 and 15 include Tai Chi workouts; health callisthenic, arts and crafts classes; health checks; computer courses; talks, exhibitions and carnivals on disease knowledge, home safety, osteoporosis, eating habit, smoking and health; visit to science museum; healthy living day camp; sports meets; traditional Chinese medicine seminars; senior volunteer activities, etc. 

The Chairman of the Community Partnership Committee, Mr Wan Man-yee, said that in addition to getting participants better acquainted with common health problems, the series of programmes emphasise individual responsibility for personal health, adoption of a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, a positive outlook on life, continued community participation and lifelong learning.

According to a government survey in 2000, 75 per cent of Hong Kong people aged 65 or over suffer from one or more chronic illness such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, etc. Many chronic diseases are related to the lifelong cumulative effect of individual lifestyles and environmental influences.

In the face of population ageing, the Elderly Commission has launched a 3-year Healthy Ageing Campaign to promote the physical and psychosocial well-being of older persons and improve their quality of life.

The Community Partnership Scheme, set up under the Healthy Ageing Campaign with a $21 million grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charity Trust, provides funding support to various sectors of the community to organise innovative programmes according to the four strategic directions set out by the Elderly Commission to promote healthy ageing namely, promote personal responsibility, strengthen community support, create supportive environment and improve the image of ageing.

Details of the first round Community Partnership Scheme programmes are obtainable through the Healthy Ageing Resource Centre at www.healthyageing.gov.hk ; or calling the Community Partnership Scheme Officer at telephone number 2973 8236.

End/Wednesday, May 1, 2002
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