Special Report – Macau’s ageing society

By
João Paulo Meneses

Two sides of the same coin

Macau Business | December 2021 | Special Report | Macau’s ageing society

There are two noteworthy demographic trends in Macau. 

And they are two opposite sides of the same coin: tails, an enviable life expectancy; heads, a very low birth rate. This polarity has evolved into a structural demographic problem deserving of renewed attention

One side is polished, a shining example: though there is always room for improvement, it’s fair to say government strategy on problems associated with the elderly has been successful. After all, Macau has the world’s third-highest life expectancy.

After the Islands District Medical Complex is inaugurated, once the Areia Preta complex is up and running, and when the three planned nursing homes are ready, a good situation will get even better. 

Response to the low birth rate has been very different.

On this side Macau has not done enough, acquiescent perhaps to a trend that is larger than its own borders, but one that will have a long-lasting impact on many facets of society, the city’s welfarist policies included.

In the two dozen pages that follow, readers (and the Government…) will find useful contributions from leading Macau-based scholars concerned about the demographic challenges affecting the region.

Co-ordinated by João Paulo Meneses ([email protected]) 

2031: The hyper-aging society scenario

In 10 years – five years ahead of schedule – Macau will be one of the oldest societies in the world.

Pensions: 123,000 beneficiaries

The Government has reinforced the Social Security Fund, which now has the capacity to pay 17 years of expenses. But a mandatory provident fund system is already being considered

Living the last days in a studio

The Areia Preta model project is seen as a key undertaking, with some 1800 studio units being built

Health with a human touch

Loneliness takes a heavy toll on senior citizens’ health 

Working after 65

Almost 12,000 elderly people in Macau work, though some may be retired, either due to the need to make ends meet or because they want to remain active

1,100 waiting

Government plans to build three new nursing homes, “meeting the demand”

Being young is not necessarily easy

The demographic challenges Macau faces are not limited to that growing elderly segment crowning a top-heavy population pyramid.

The neighbouring SAR’s demographic challenges

A significant number of people in Hong Kong wish to continue being productive after retirement, and 78 per cent said they want to travel

China: 1, 2 or 3 children

In five years, the Chinese have gone from the one-child policy to three. All to combat the low birth rate and the decline of the active population. Will that be enough?

Low birth rate “very hard to solve”

Experts assert that financial incentives are not the solution, but providing more supportive services to future mothers could change women’s mindset