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The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (23 February) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”)’s measures to promote the application of gerontechnology.

As Hong Kong’s population continues to age, there is growing concern about the care of elderly persons, persons with disabilities and especially the disabled elderly, including the development and application of gerontechnology. Leveraging innovative technologies to improve the quality of life and self-care abilities of elderly persons and persons with disabilities, gerontechnology eases the pressure on healthcare workers and carers. Common gerontechnology products include mobility aids, hoists and lifters, anti-wandering systems, companion robots and daily living aids.

Over the years, SWD has actively promoted the application of gerontechnology in response to the needs of society. In December 2018, it launched the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care (“the Fund”) to subsidise elderly and rehabilitation service units to procure, rent or trial technology products. In September 2023, the coverage of the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly was expanded to the rental of assistive technology products. In the following month, services at all subvented district elderly community centres and neighbourhood elderly centres across Hong Kong were broadened to include the promotion of gerontechnology. Moreover, SWD commissioned the Hong Kong Council of Social Service to encourage the adoption of innovative technologies within the social welfare sector, and strengthened community education through various initiatives. While these measures have gradually increased the use of gerontechnology, there are views that the penetration of gerontechnology in Hong Kong remains at a relatively low level, with a lack of public knowledge on gerontechnology products, particularly among singleton and doubleton elderly households. In addition, there are also opinions that channels available for obtaining product information are limited, assessment tools are insufficient and products supported by the Fund may be underutilised.

Mr Chan said, “In addressing the challenges of an ageing society, integrating innovative technology into elderly and rehabilitation services has become inevitable. Utilising diverse technologies to support the care of the elderly and persons with disabilities not only enhances their self-care abilities but also strengthens their social connections, and enables them to pursue better and more fulfilling lives. This approach can also help ease the pressure on healthcare workers and carers, thus achieving multiple benefits. That said, there is still considerable room for improvement in the application of gerontechnology in the community. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the effectiveness of SWD’s measures to promote the application of gerontechnology. The investigation will cover the utilisation of the Fund, the actual adoption of technological products across different service units, SWD’s monitoring, support and promotional initiatives, as well as its collaboration with other organisations, the social welfare sector and the innovation and technology sector.  Where necessary, pertinent recommendations will be made for improvement.”

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by 23 March 2026:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax:         2882 8149

Email:     di489@ombudsman.hk

Office of The Ombudsman

For media enquiries, please contact the External Relations Section at enquiry@ombudsman.hk.