Overseas Housing for Elderly Hongkongers? Comparing the Key Factors Influencing Retiree Migration Between Japan and Hong Kong

Abstract

This study explores an innovative option for a housing policy for the elderly in Hong Kong by referencing an experimental project wherein the Japanese elderly care infrastructure and service ecosystem were replicated in, and the elderly relocated to, a foreign location. The project involved a Japanese local government and the state government of Malaysia, to whom the author was a lead advisor throughout the project planning, approval, and negotiation stages. By comparing Hong Kong to Japan, this paper presents a preliminary assessment of the need for, as well as opportunities and challenges of introducing such innovation in Hong Kong. A conceptual model was adopted to analyse three key factors, namely growing numbers of ageing population, serious caregiver shortage and high housing costs that drive Japanese retirees toward overseas migration. Similar conceptual model was then being applied to analyse and compare the factors in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Result findings of the three key factors showed that while Japan and Hong Kong are facing mounting pressures on the ageing societies arising from these factors, Malaysia’s population is far less aged, has a relatively young labour force that can be trained to become caregivers, and has affordable housing for retirees. Thus, Malaysia offers a plausible host destination for Hong Kong retirees to relocate for retirement.