The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited North District today (July 27), where he toured elderly facilities promoting active ageing and met with District Council members.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the North District Council (NDC), Mr So Sai-chi, and the District Officer (North), Mr Chong Wing-wun, Dr Law went to Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre (DECC) of the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association (HKYWCA) in Fanling to learn about a primary care programme provided by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the elderly. Jointly organised by the DECC with Cheer Lutheran Centre and Fung Ying Seen Koon Cheung Wah Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, the programme arranges for volunteers to conduct free health checks of elderly persons for early identification of risks of disease and follow-up treatment. The programme's outreach teams also visit elderly persons in rural areas and conduct body checks for them. The programme is funded by the Jockey Club Age-friendly City Project.
Dr Law said that the programme tied in with the Government's policy objectives to strengthen community care and promote "ageing in place". He pointed out that the NGOs concerned have been providing holistic care and support services for the elderly over the years, building a neighbourhood mutual help network which is important social capital in the community.
He then visited the HKYWCA Farm of Healthy Ageing in Fanling. Operated by retired elderly volunteers, the farm grows crops and organises farming activities from time to time for elderly persons to unleash their potential. Dr Law noted that the farming work was all shared among elderly persons, exemplifying their sense of self-worth and promoting active ageing.
Prior to visiting the above facilities, Dr Law met with NDC members to discuss labour and welfare matters.
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