簡介
Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
最新
Paul Chan, Co-founder and CEO of Walk In Hong Kong
World Heritage Day 2024 marks on 18th April. The significance of this occasion resonates deeply within me. Beyond its global celebration of heritage conservation, this day serves as a call to action for communities worldwide to reaffirm our dedication to protecting our heritage and cultural identity. Today, I'm compelled to share my thoughts not just as a seasoned heritage and cultural tour operator, but also as a passionate advocate for the preservation of our city's rich heritage and culture.
Heritage transcends mere buildings and historic sites; it embodies the essence and identity of a city, weaving together the stories and memories of generations. Whenever I lead heritage tours and delve into the archives of old Hong Kong photographs, a profound sense of nostalgia washes over me. When I saw old pictures of the elegant colonial architecture of Central, the charming row of walk-up shophouses of Kowloon, or the rustic beauty of the New Territories – these are not mere structures but repositories of our collective history and livelihood. Sadly, many of these architectural gems have succumbed to the pressures of rapid urbanization and development.
Witnessing the loss of our heritage is truly heartbreaking, as each demolition represents a potential loss of our remaining sites if we do not take decisive action. Once these architectural marvels are gone, they cannot be replaced, and with their disappearance, we lose a vital part of our cultural identity. Missed opportunities to leverage our heritage as a unique selling point for our city are evident, especially as we work towards revitalizing our tourism industry
post-pandemic. Nevertheless, there is still time to effect change. Transitioning into a heritage advocate has led me to frequently ponder the relevance of my cause. To me, the answer is clear – we have a duty to conserve what makes our city exceptional. In a world saturated with standardized attractions and tourist traps, our heritage stands as a beacon of authenticity and uniqueness.
Safeguarding our heritage is imperative if we wish to maintain our status as a leading tourism destination."
That is the major reason why we launched the conservation campaign to save the State Theatre, the largest surviving standalone theatre building on Hong Kong Island. During the campaign, we've adopted a comprehensive approach with the hope of enhancing the survival chance of this building. Not only did we successfully lobby the theatre from a Grade 3 proposed Historic building status to that of Grade 1, but we also enhanced the public’s emotional attachment to the
site through talks, walking tours, and interviews, etc. To this day, we persist in refining our strategies to strike a balance between conservation with economic sustainability.
We know that heritage conservation isn't just about preserving physical structures; only by also excavating its stories and memories can we truly preserve the spirit of a place. That is why we have produced To Be Continued, a documentary which chronicles the life and legacy of State Theatre’s founder, Harry Odell, the first impresario in Hong Kong, whose relentless efforts to invite best performers from the world to Hong Kong has made our city already a “East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange” in the 1950s.
We also recognize the crucial role of integrating heritage with sustainable tourism as a way to deepen our present connections to the past. As part of this recognition, we have launched a tourism innovation project supported by the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme. Our project aims to revitalise the villages of Sha Tau Kok and Yan Chau Tong areas by introducing immersive and sustainable tourism experiences in their Hakka villages. By leveraging the rich heritage of Hakka houses and the picturesque village landscapes, we curate unforgettable experiences such as seasonal dining against the backdrop of a majestic Hakka mansion. These immersive experiences enable both visitors and locals to connect with and embody the stories, memories, and rituals, thereby passing on the spirit of the past and its cultures to the present. We firmly believe that such emotional encounters are integral to our ongoing efforts to advance the cause of heritage conservation.
As the Chinese proverb wisely reminds us, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Next Thursday, on 18th April, I encourage you all to think about the ways we can increase awareness regarding the preservation of important monuments and cultures. Perhaps the most straightforward way to celebrate one’s cultural heritage on World Heritage Day is by authentically living one’s life in a way that embodies who we are and where we come from, but we can also think of the little ways we can protect our shared heritage and humanity. Look online to see if any community events are going on in the city that tell stories about our surroundings. Spread awareness by posting pictures of little-known historical sites on social media. World Heritage is about the humanity and stories we share, and our collective responsibility in keeping these stories and sites alive.
I urge you all to join me in this journey to protect and preserve our heritage. Let us celebrate our past, embrace our present, and safeguard our future.
重溫
Katie Wong, Chief Officer (Elderly Service) The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
As the population ages, more people find caring for their elderly loved ones falling on their shoulders. While the population of Hong Kong increased only by 5% between 2011 and 2021, the population of centenarians, people aged 100 or more, increased by more than 6 folds.
In light of the rapid increase in the population of adults of advanced age, say nonagenarians and centenarians, in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Shue Yan University, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service recently conducted the second round of the Hong Kong Centenarian Study (with the first round taking place in 2011) with 151 families and found that most caregivers of centenarians are their children, with many of them being between 65-74 years old (43%).
This phenomenon of “the elderly caring for even older seniors” is common in Hong Kong. It poses significant challenges, including physical fatigue, emotional stress, social isolation, and financial burden, adversely impacting caregivers’ health and well-being.
The biggest challenge faced by elderly caregivers is physical and mental fatigue. Caring for a loved one requires a lot of strength and energy, which can be even more taxing for elderly caregivers with health issues. They may have to frequently lift or support a frail loved one, provide assistance in daily living, and perform other tasks that can strain their bodies continually.
Emotional stress is another challenge, particularly when caring involves complex or arduous needs. For example, tending to a loved one with dementia or other cognitive impairments requires infinite patience and constant attention, which can be frustrating and overwhelming. Many caregivers wish to see their older loved ones through and are motivated to provide as much care to their older relatives as possible. Despite such high motivation to care, their strains may elevate to a point where their mental and physical health is compromised, which is when nursing home placements are considered.
Caregivers may also feel isolated and burnt out, as they often have to sacrifice socialising with friends and family or their interests. This can spiral into depression and anxiety, further exacerbating their struggles.
The financial burden is another challenge that elderly caregivers may grapple with, especially those who are retired and living on a fixed income. In other words, their financial resources, whether from their own children or governmental subsidies, are often shared with their older loved ones. The study mentioned above showed that 83.2% of caregivers had a monthly income below $30,000, and 70.5% of respondents earned below the poverty line of $20,000 for a 4-person household (CSD, 2020). 48.3% of caregivers expressed financial pressure.
So, what can be done to aid elderly caregivers facing these problems? Here are a few suggestions:
1) Seeking out community resources, including respite care, support groups, and counselling services. Elderly caregivers should also reach out to family and friends for help, as small gestures can make a big difference.
2) It is also essential for caregivers to prioritise their health and well-being by taking time for themselves, pursuing hobbies and interests, or getting mental health support when needed. Caregivers who look after themselves are better equipped to watch over their loved ones in the long run.
3) Sometimes, it may be necessary to hire a professional caregiver to assist with the needs of a loved one. With the advance in technology, some products help, such as fall prevention equipment and health-monitoring smart devices. Caregiver subsidies or financial subsidies for using Gerontechnology in the community would help.
Taking care of an elderly loved one can be arduous and emotionally draining, particularly for caregivers themselves, seniors. By seeking out available resources, asking for help from family and friends, being mindful of self-care, and appraising professional assistance, elderly caregivers can get the support they need to navigate the challenges and provide the best care possible for their loved ones.
And now I have a song I'd like to dedicate to all of you listening. My song is: You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King
