The process of aging is invariably accompanied by physical and mental problems. What makes it worse is the hustle and bustle of a big city like Hong Kong that invites those problems to come earlier. Concerned as many may be, they choose not to tell others about their health problems - not even their families or closest friends - for either hating the idea of making their loved ones worried and upset or simply hanging back at the thought of a string of checks followed by medications and being placed on the operation table. In many cases that worsens the conditions and accounts for why, with their little secret, some grandparents become less sociable than before once they become aware of their problems.
Old age disease is not something to be ashamed of. It is part of life. Elders and the aged should understand that a positive attitude and squarely facing the problem is critical for their treatment and recovery. Besides, there are a lot of
health talks (Chinese only) organized by the authorities and NGOs which help elders equipped to deal with various health problems.
Below is a list of diseases that elders and the aged may be interested in knowing about. Following the list is an introduction of the symptoms and causes of specific diseases and, in some cases, information as to where to get help. Hopefully this will help senior citizens and those who have an aged family member to look after have a better understanding of the diseases and take more effective precautions.
Elderly Health Centres of Department of Health provide health assessment service
The Department of Health has set up 18 Elderly Health Centres in Hong Kong to meet senior citizens’ multiple health needs by providing integrated primary health care services. It includes preventive, promotive and curative care. Seniors aged 65 or above can register as a member for free with their address identity document and personal information in the centre of their region. The charge for health assessment is only $110, and
the charges for other services are also very favourable. Details about the health assessment and other services are available in the “
FAQ” in the Elderly Health Service website.
If you have health concerns, you are welcome to visit
Community CareAge Foundation for online help. You may also have access to the list of doctors of general departments and special departments of The Medical Council of Hong Kong.
Elderly persons who have financial difficulties may seek help from volunteer agencies which offer free medical consultation service. Among them, the" Free Elderly Medicare " Scheme has recruited more than 60 specialists and professional healthcare staff to provide free consultation service and free medicine for needy elderly.
Government Subsidised Chinese Medicine Services
All eligible Hong Kong residents can now enjoy these Government-subsidised out-patient Chinese Medicine services provided by the 18 Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres at district level:
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General Consultation (including consultation fee and a maximum of 5 doses of CM products based on clinical needs)
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Acupuncture
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Bone-setting/Tui-na (at designated clinics)
The fee is $120 per attendance for eligible persons. By providing valid original identity documents and notification documents of relevant social security, fees will be waived for:
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Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients
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Higher Old Age Living Allowance recipients (aged 75 or above).
Health Care Voucher and discount are NOT applicable for government subsidised Chinese medicine service. For details about making appointments, please click here.
Mobile app: BookHA
From now on, you can submit application for Hospital Authority Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOPC) new case appointment through the mobile app BookHA. This app covers the specialties of Anaesthesiology (Pain Clinic), Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Oncology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Eye, Gynaecology, Medicine, Neurosurgery, Obstetrics, Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Paediatrics and Surgery.
Download BookHA:
http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/201609/18/P2016091500746_242852_1_1473932956898.pdf
Watch this video clip to learn how to use the app:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=45&v=MaLq5nrYm94
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