Macau will enter a “super-aged society” in 2029. In an era when elder care is no longer limited to mere survival but increasingly requires quality of life, the new Ten-Year Plan for Older Persons responds precisely to this need by valuing the senior population and putting into practice an inclusive vision of “a sense of belonging and usefulness in later life.”
In rehabilitation, the future will require “medical-social cooperation, technology, and community support.” However, policies should not be limited to older people and people with disabilities, but should also extend to family caregivers, who face enormous psychological pressure in their daily caregiving work. It is vital to expand psychological support networks for this group and provide respite care services in the community. By easing their physical and mental burden, it will be possible to ensure a healthier care system and provide better support for dependent people.
As the generation born in the 1970s ages, the “silver economy” is gaining momentum. The government should promote gerontechnology with “Macau characteristics.” In older neighborhoods with tong lau buildings – traditional buildings without elevators – mobility equipment for narrow staircases should be encouraged, while support should be provided to adapt common areas in private buildings.
In coordination with the Greater Bay Area strategy, there is an urgent need to promote the “standardization of home-care services in Hengqin and Macau,” alongside cross-border social security and access to medical services. This would expand the range of options and the support network available to older people.
The new “Ten-Year Rehabilitation Plan” shifts from “passive optimization” toward “active legislation and technology,” with binding measures for 2026-2027. In accessibility legislation, consistency is crucial. Barrier-free spaces should serve wheelchair users while also preventing falls among older people. Clear signage should help create a truly safe and age-friendly pedestrian system.
The next decade will be decisive for Macau as the population ages. It is hoped that social consensus can turn this vision into action, ensuring that all older people and people with disabilities in Macau can enjoy an inclusive, dignified, convenient, and vibrant life.
