Elder-care potential in GBA?
Mainland support
Mainland authorities have rolled out policies to facilitate Hong Kong people, including retirees, living on the mainland. Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan with a mainland residence permit have been eligible for its social and medical insurance cover since January 2020. Hong Kong residents with basic medical insurance can pay the same fees as mainland residents, and enjoy the same benefits at local public hospitals.
Guangdong province launched the Bay Area Social Security Services for Hong Kong and Macao residents to apply via simplified procedures online. By August 2021, 238,000 Hong Kong and Macao residents were insured in Guangdong province.
Beyond social security insurance, care services and financial subsidies, mainland-based Hong Kong elders can participate in cultural and sports activities.
The Shenzhen government enabled 488 schools to provide hobby lessons to the elderly, for smart phone navigation, photography, and dance. These activities have helped people like Man Kam-chuen, a 93-year-old Hong Kong retiree who has resided in Shenzhen for three decades, enjoy a meaningful retirement and integrate into the local community. For example, Man enjoys gifting his calligraphy to friends at a weekly club, or meeting new people while playing table tennis and Chinese chess.
