Health inequality. 3 | Longevity is a "punishment" under health inequality

Hong Kong has been the world's longest-lived region for seven consecutive years, with an average of 82.9 years for men and 88 years for women.

Longevity is a good thing, but many people only see the increase in the length of life, but ignore the improvement in the quality of life; and under the "health inequality" caused by social injustice, longevity may even become a "punishment"— —Imagine an old man living alone living in a dilapidated and messy house. When he is sick, he has to wait slowly at a public hospital. He is discharged from the hospital and has no financial ability to hire private caregivers... For them, living like this means The double torment of the body and the spirit is even more the expectation that life will come to an end in the torment of every minute and second. As the late famous modern writer Ba Jin said, "longevity is not a good thing for me, but a punishment."

"Health Inequality" Series 3

For details, please read the 301st issue of "Hong Kong 01" e-weekly report " Longevity is a kind of "punishment" under health inequality

" published on January 24, 2022

Health inequality.

1 | The life of the poor is also life. Don’t let social injustice deprive health and fairness

Health inequality.

2 | Intergenerational poverty perpetuates health injustice. Who is responsible for the physical and mental health of the next generation?

Health inequality.

3 | Longevity is a "punishment" under health inequality

Hong Kong has been the world's longest-lived region for seven consecutive years.

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About 391,000 people in Hong Kong are classified as "poor elderly", and 279,000 people are over 70 years old.

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Zhong Jianhua pointed out that if social security and medical care services are done well, the elderly can be well cared for when they return home.

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Zhong Yinuo pointed out that there are very few general outpatient clinics and the waiting time is long. Although private clinics are more convenient, they are usually more than three times the price of public outpatient clinics.

(Photo by Zheng Zifeng)

Zhong Jianhua emphasized that if the primary medical care in Hong Kong is done well, it can completely reduce the burden on the follow-up system and greatly reduce the residents' need for hospitalization.

(Photo by Li Zetong)

Zhong Jianhua believes that the most worrying thing is not whether the medical problem can be further solved, but whether it can not be further deteriorated.

(Photo by He Baijia)