The Hong Kong Geriatrics Society
Founded in 1981, the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society is the only professional society of doctors practicing geriatric medicine. All Consultant Geriatricians and Professor in Geriatric Medicine in Public Hospitals are regular members of our society. There are up to now 180 members with 42 associate members in the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society. Geriatricians are responsible for the management of acute and chronic illness, severe disability and terminal conditions in elderly people.
Objectives
• To promote high standards of care in the practice of geriatric medicine
• To promote training and care of the elderly to all persons practicing geriatric medicine
• To promote geriatric research
The Hong Kong elderly population aged 65+ is projected to grow from 816 thousand in 2004 to 900 thousand in 2010, an increase of 10%. The corresponding growth for the population aged 75+ is even steeper at 30%, from 339 thousand to 442 thousand. Since the prevalence of illness and disability rises with age, the growth of the elderly population, particularly those in the older-old group (75+) has important implications for health and social services.
Geriatric medicine originated in the United Kingdom 70 years ago out of a reaction to neglect and apathy of elderly patients thought not to be amenable to medical treatment and thus obliged to spend their last years in chronic infirmaries. The specialty of geriatric medicine has continued to grow and an impressive knowledge base has been accumulated. This combined with increasing expertise in the multidisciplinary treatment and assessment of elderly patients and in ensuring that health and social services work in a coordinated fashion, has improved the care of ill elderly people.
For the past 30 years, up to 130 specialists in geriatric medicine have been trained up in Hong Kong to meet the local service needs.
The year 2006 celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Geriatrics Society.
We are preparing ourselves to due with the challenges faced by the ageing community.