Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ15: Recreational facilities for the elderly in Shek O
Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr E K Yeoh, in the Legislative Council today (July 10):
Question :
Residents in Shek O have told me that the district does not have any recreational facilities and activity centres for the elderly. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether :
(a) it plans to provide recreational facilities for the elderly in the district; and
(b) it will consider constructing an activity centre for the elderly in the district (for instance, on a piece of vacant land adjacent to the Shek O Bus Terminus); if it will, of the details, if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) Most of the recreational facilities in Shek O are suitable for the use of elders, such as Shek O Village Sitting-out Area, Shek O Road Sitting-out Area, Shek O Beach Sitting-out Area, Shek O Headland Picnic Area, Shek O Road Lookout, Shek O Beach and Shek O Beach Obstacle Golf Course. To promote physical exercise for elders, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) plans to install outdoor fitness equipment specifically designed for elders at Shek O Road Sitting-out Area.
In terms of activities, the relevant area committee organises community building activities for residents, such as outings. The District Council also sponsors activities organized by local groups. LCSD has arranged land excursions for the elders in Shek O and has plans to organize more programmes in the area which are suitable for elders such as Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin and fitness exercises.
(b) In considering whether to build facilities in a district, the government draws reference to the district population, the local characteristics and circumstances, and existing facilities and services available.
According to 2001 Population Census, there are less than 300 elders (aged 65 or above) living in Shek O and Big Wave Bay area. At present, in addition to the social and recreational facilities and services outlined in (a) above, non-governmental organizations are providing a range of care, support and welfare services to meet the various needs of elders in Shek O. These include centre-based services; outreaching services; social and recreational services; home help services; and enhanced home and community care services which is a package of home and centre based services tailor made to meet the individual needs of frail elders. In addition, the government has kept in close contact with and provided support to the Shek O Residents' Association, which runs a health center providing outpatient services and organizes social and recreational activities for local residents, including elders.
At this stage, the government has no plan to construct an activity centre for the elderly in Shek O. However, the government will continue to keep the provision of various services to elders in Shek O under regular review, and maintain close liaison with the local organizations, service providers and service users to better meet the needs of older persons.
End/Wednesday, July 10, 2002
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