Fear of Ageing: Legal Protection for Hong Kong's Elderly

Imagine one day, due to a sudden stroke or accident, you become incapacitated. What kind of situation would you face in Hong Kong?

The "Criminal Proceedings" section covers law enforcement by the police, court trials, and correctional rehabilitation, illustrating the predicaments elderly individuals face when involved in legal troubles and the responsibilities they should bear. The "Financial Management" section includes fraud, making a will, and handling banking affairs, explaining how three roles—guardian, enduring power of attorney, and trustee of property—can assist mentally incapacitated individuals in managing their finances.

The "Healthcare Decisions" section starts from the initial onset of illness, discusses the patient's right to information, and then progressively explains advance directives, advance care planning, and do-not-resuscitate orders.

The "Respecting Autonomy" section introduces methods and agreement tools for supported decision-making, aiming to reduce environmental and systemic barriers for people with disabilities.

If there's a physical disability, one can use crutches, glasses, hearing aids... Can cognitive disabilities receive the same kind of assistance?

Even when old and sick, one should not lose their dignity.

Hong Kong people need to manage their finances properly to avoid the situation of "being bedridden while money sits in the bank." They also need to learn how to use various legal documents to ensure their later years are cared for and to navigate their final journey well. Furthermore, there are many legal procedures to be aware of when illness involves fraud, legal troubles, etc. Big Silver director Chan Hiu-lui spent 5 years and wrote 220,000 words compiling the legal protections Hong Kong seniors need in financial management, criminal proceedings, and healthcare decisions.