Growing Old as a Member of an Ethnic Minority in Hong Kong: Implications for an Inclusive Long-Term Care Policy Framework

Abstract

Hong Kong is experiencing significant demographic changes as a result of rapid population aging and immigration. Anecdotal evidence suggests that ethnic minorities, in particular aged members of South Asian ethnic minorities, face significant and diverse obstacles in accessing services important to their general welfare. This study is the first systematic attempt to explore the long-term care needs of Nepalese older adults in Hong Kong and the barriers they face in accessing long-term care services. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 Nepalese older adults. We found that Nepalese older adults have similar physical and psychosocial needs as those of their local Chinese counterparts. However, participants face a range of structural, knowledge, and attitudinal barriers that together deter them from accessing long-term care services, despite their right to do so. Policy recommendations to mitigate these barriers are given, with reference to the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities Framework.