Monograph Series

Series #

Monograph

Author

Date

No.1

Quality of Life of the Chinese Elderly in Hong Kong: Preliminary Findings from Two Focus Groups Studies

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
CHENG Sheung-tak
PHILLIPS R. David

10/2002

Brief description:  The study followed the WHOQOL (old) protocol in comparing the items set in the generic version of the WHOQOL (100). Six focus groups were used: able and frail, 65+ and 80+, one group of care givers and one group of professional/academics. Results showed that the WHOQOL (100) items were matched in general, but modifications were required in some of the items/domains. However, for those elderly who had a low education background, the meaning of the term QoL was still not clear.

No.2

University-School Link Partnership Projects (USLP) for Promotion of Intergeneration Communication

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
PHILLIPS R. David
FONG Meng Soi, Florence

6/2003

Brief description:  The project was an extension of the UGC Interface project in promoting healthy ageing and positive interaction between the secondary pupils (N= 279) and the elderly people (N=240) (Note that the actual numbers of participants were larger as some did not return the questionnaire).  Three measurements were taken at the beginning of the programme, at the point of completing all the training courses and at the end of the programme. Four aspects were measured: interaction skills, self-confidence, knowledge on ageing and health and knowledge on computer/internet applications. The study was designed to have a second stage in which 50 randomly assigned pupils were followed to see if the skills and knowledge learned would be further developed.

No.3

An Exploratory Study of Older Persons’ Computer and Internet Usage in Hong Kong

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
PHILLIPS R. David
FONG Meng Soi, Florence 

8/2003

Brief description:  200 elderly internet users were interviewed with a close-ended questionnaire for their reasons of using computers, their patterns of usage and possible impacts (life quality, purpose in life and self confidence) of using computers/internets. The results were positive. Results then were put to focus group discussions for verification of the preliminary findings. Main conclusion was that internet and computer uses were appealing to those who could use them, but the initial confidence in mastering the skills was not easy for the elderly people, especially those with low education.

No. 4

「仁濟老友記行動計劃」成效調查報告

嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心
暨 仁濟老友記行動統籌小組
仁濟醫院董事局社會服務部贊助

11/2003

Brief description:  The study involved an auditing of services provided to a selected group of elderly people who were members of the Yanchai social services. Some twenty service centres were involved providing services to over 1,000 elderly members through a donation. Service quality, members’ participation, and cost-effectness were looked at and reported.

No. 5

A Report on an Evaluation of the Hope, Worldwide Seniors Day 2003

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
FONG Meng Soi, Florence
NG Siu Ping, Ella

2/2004

Brief description:  The Senior Day is now a regular annual event of the Hope World Wide. The study aimed at appraising the desirable effects for promotion of volunteering work to help the elderly people. The protocol involved a questionnaire survey on the volunteers and the elderly people, as well as an estimation of the ‘spilt over effect’.

No. 6

江、浙、滬三地農村老人精神文化生活比較研究－－以歸莊鎮、周王廟鎮、江橋鎮為例

作者: 朱即明  彭亮
嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心 編輯

5/2004

本文探討三地(歸莊鎮、周王廟鎮和江橋鎮)農村老人精神文化生活。是次調查研究以問卷形式進行，將老人精神文化生活密切相關的精神慰籍作為一個獨立的部分進行調查。本文通過選取該部分的若干指標，對三地老人精神文化生活進行比較，並在此基礎上提供進一步豐富三地老人精神文化生活的相應對策。

No. 7

Report on the Study of The Relationship Between Formal and Informal Caregivers in Caring for Older People

APIAS, Lingnan University
Christian Family Service Centre

8/2004

Brief description:  The study explored the tripartite relationships between the formal carer, the informal carer (family carer) and the caree (i.e. the elderly person receiving care). The dynamic relationships will be revealed through in-depth study on 6 three-person groups (each interviewed for three times).

No. 8

An Exploratory Study on The Significance of Outbound Travelling for the Older Persons in Hong Kong

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
PHILLIPS R. David
FONG Meng Soi, Florence
WONG Hon Yui, Eric

1/2005

Brief description:  The proposed study attempts to explore the psychological and social meanings of outbound traveling (trips outside Hong Kong) for the seniors in Hong Kong; and the perceived barriers and benefits of these trips for them.

No. 9

Survey on Public Attitude and Perception Towards Ethnic Minorites 2004

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
WONG Hon Yui, Eric

5/2005

Brief description:  To gauge the general public’s attitude towards ethnic minorities in Oxfam; understand whether there exists a discriminative attitude; identify the sources and channels that the impression towards ethnic minorities formulated; to set a set of baseline indicators/ benchmarks through which Oxfam Hong Kong or other NGOs can be used to measure the improvement of the discriminative attitude after a period of time; and assist Oxfam Hong Kong and NGOs in formulating effective programme strategies in anti-discrimination practice.

No. 10

A Report on an Exploratory Study on Visual Conditions of Older People Living in Public Housing

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
FONG Meng Soi, Florence
WONG Hon Yui, Eric
AU-YEUNG Ka Yu, Kenneth

8/2005

Brief description:  The aim of the study is to provide a general profile on visual conditions of elderly people and explore any implications for optometrist services or diagnostic for the study group (e.g. Optometrist, Optical therapy).

No.11

Happy Farming Programme: An Exploratory Study From an Inter-Generational Perspective

CHAN Cheung-ming, Alfred
FONG Meng Soi, Florence
WONG Hon Yui, Eric
Wong Hoi To, Calvin

11/2005

Brief description:  The study is an action research which attempts to explore the group dynamic and interaction between older persons and the younger age people. Through field studies, it is expected to generate the ideas or insights to build up models for intergenerational communications and enhance the happiness of individuals through working together in the farming programmes. Hence, the present research adopts participatory action research approach in which the researchers are also as programme participants in farming activities.

No. 12

An Exploratory Study of Pet Raising and Health of The Elderly People in Hong Kong

CHAN CHEUNG MING, Alfred
Cheung Kam Wing, Kevin
Lo Lam Fat

2/2007

Brief description:  As recently reported in Western societies, keeping pets especially dogs and cats would enhance older person’s quality of life. The present study aimed to explore the cases in Hong Kong.

No. 13

Ageing Society Issues In Korea

Sung-Jai Choi

12/2007

Brief description: The phenomenon of rapid population ageing in Korea during the twenty-first century epitomizes the experience of developing countries, which are ageing far more rapidly than developed countries. The implications of population ageing are not limited to the social welfare for the aged itself. From a wider and long-term perspective population ageing may require a new paradigm in understanding and taking measures about the human life cycle and ageing at both the individual and societal level. Korea has tried to model its social policy on population ageing along the lines of those in advanced welfare states. However, with those systems now experiencing many problems, Korea is now searching for more effective and efficient measures to deal with her rapidly ageing population. From the turn of this century the Korean society has begun to understand population aging from a broader, long-term perspective. A basic law addressing the issues presented by the ageing society that has been recently legislated created a presidential committee, which produced a comprehensive national policy plan to deal with population ageing. This paper starts with presenting a profile of population ageing, and then reviews the development of national policies on population ageing, dividing the developmental process into 5 historical periods. Also, the comprehensive national policy plan in response to population ageing is briefly introduced. The national policies mainly consist of three parts: (1) creation of an environment conducive to child birth and child rearing, (2) building bases for a better quality of life in the ageing society, and (3) ensuring power for economic growth in the ageing society. This paper highlights the major issues in developing and implementing national policies on population ageing. Issues that deserve our attention are as follows: (1) perspective on population ageing, (2) financing for the planned policies, (3) difficulties in boosting up fertility rate, (4) lag in building up a culture of gender equality in workplaces and families, (5) sustainability of public pension system, (6) expansion of the Elder Respect Pension, (7) structuring of three-tier income security system, (8) coverage of public-long-term care insurance, (9)  supplying of housing for the elderly, (10) creation of jobs for the elderly, (11) population ageing in rural areas, (12) readjustment of the mandatory retirement age and legislation of law prohibiting age discrimination, and finally (13) markets targeting the elderly.

No. 14

Inspirning the Retirees Towards Active Ageing: A Case Study of the Elderly Shop Project

Leung Kwok Fai, Tony

6/2009

Brief description: The “elderly shop” project is a project for retired elderly who are commonly identified as recipients of care and assistance, to venture into business. It provides a platform for them to be actively engaged in productive activities. This project is based on the “self-financing” business model. With the elderly as role models other social groups such as housewives and non-engaged/unemployed youths are also enlisted to provide support to this project. Together they form the service team. The transfer of “know how” and consultative support provided by the business community and professionals enable this project to provide services to those who are less privileged. “Empowerment” and “transformation” are evident among the elderly in the process of providing services. The Elderly Shop project is a platform that helps to develop “social capital” and to foster community integration in the long run.

No. 15

Elderly Participation – My Experience As a Retiree

Tsang Fan Chun, Peter

6/2009

Brief description: Adaptation to life after retirement can be a challenge. In spite of being psychologically prepared, retirees often experience the feelings of idleness and restlessness. In order to be able to adapt, retirees must learn how to make their life more enjoyable and meaningful. Based on my experience, I suggest volunteering which is meaningful to the individual, family and the community at large. Volunteering can also result in personal growth as it is not only a process of giving but also learning as well. In this paper, I would like to share five of the most essential “ingredients” that would make volunteering a success. These pointers will also help Elderly Centres to recruit volunteers.

No. 16

An Evolving Practice Model in the Development of Lifelong Education For Senior Citizens

Shum Wai Chuen

6/2009

Brief description: Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council (hereafter referred as “the Council”), being one of the largest social services organization in Hong Kong, is committed to develop a more comprehensive package of services  that provides care to senior citizens. Based on the motto of ‘Individual Care and Overall Concern’, the Council puts concerted efforts to provide innovative, comprehensive and quality services to the seniors so as to enable them to continue to live in their communities with dignity and happiness.

No. 17

Life Long Education Experience at Lingnan University

Cheung Ying Po
Kwan Chi Ping
Li Che Kau
Tong Kit Ha
Yip Fat Hing

6/2009

Brief description: Although the issues of ageing are many, the focus of this paper is to share the experiences of mature students pursuing higher education at Lingnan University. It is hoped that by sharing our experiences at Lingnan, public policy decision-makers could provide the necessary institutional support, in particular the funding aspect since tuition fees are potentially an obstacle to many who are interested.