Hong Kong flags 1,600 at-risk elderly households, but experts say figure tip of iceberg

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Fiona SunJanuary 17, 2026 at 02:59 PM

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Hong Kong authorities have identified 1,600 at-risk elderly households in public housing after reviewing Housing Department data. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han stated the goal is to offer early intervention and reduce risks for these vulnerable residents. The government plans to extend these efforts to public housing estates managed by the Housing Society and to "three-nil buildings," which often house elderly residents in poor conditions. Experts, however, suggest the identified number is likely an underestimation of the actual scale of the problem. They are urging the government to accelerate its search and support efforts for at-risk elderly individuals.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Housing Department 60% Housing Society ×270% Chris Sun Yuk-han ×280% Hong Kong 90%

Keywords

at-risk elderly 100% public housing 90% three-nil buildings 70% vulnerable residents 70% housing society 60% early intervention 60% housing department 50% hidden households 50%