New housing paradigm for the "Silver Hair" population: a case in Hong Kong

Abstract

As with many other industrialized cities, Hong Kong is facing a disproportionate ageing population due to lowered fertility rate and prolonged life expectancy. The proportion of elderly (persons aged 65 or above) in the total population has increased from 2.8% to 13.3% between 1961 and 2011. In the meantime, baby-boomers (those born in the post-war period and are between the ages of 45 and 60) will reach retirement age in the next two decades, further increasing the proportion of older persons. It is expected that this group of the soon-to-be old is more educated and enjoys a higher financial independence. Due to this unique socio-economic profile, this group will demand more sophisticated retirement housing as compared to their parents. This paper explores new housing paradigms uncommon in the Hong Kong housing market: it will examine the possibility of collaborative housing and mixed housing typologies for the soon-to-be old population. This research will offer a new approach to overcome the limited housing market for the “silver hair” population by proposing a holistic housing environment that would encourage more resilient housing development in the city. This research will add to the understanding of the relationship between lifestyle characteristics and retirement housing preferences by examining the needs and aspirations of a particular demographic group. Critical theoretical frameworks such as Aging in Place, Active Aging and Independent Living will form the basis for looking at how new housing approaches can challenge existing provisions in residential facilities. The research hypothesizes that transformation in demography and social economical drive will cause the future aging generation to be attracted to amenity-rich residential communities for retirement housing. This research explores various collaborative housing typologies to see how new paradigms can encourage congregate housing, improve spatial experiences and enhance the effectiveness of the high density residential environment.