Talk of the town：Growing the silver economy(组图)

发布 : 2025-10-15  来源 : 明报新闻网 用微信扫描二维码，分享至好友和朋友圈

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In recent years, there have been more social programs designed for the elderly, such as dance and music courses.





【明报专讯】In mid 2025, there were around 1.8 million elderly people aged 65 or above in Hong Kong, accounting for around 23.9% of the total population. In recent years, the Policy Addresses have focused on the ''silver-haired group''(银发族), which is emerging as an important consumer group. The government aims to foster the development of the silver economy by encouraging more services and goods tailored to target the elderly population.

One of the services provided to the silver-haired group is local in-depth tours (深度游), which attract both local and foreign elderly tourists. Instead of visiting famous tourist spots such as The Peak and Disneyland, these in-depth tours focus on local experiences and the everyday lives of ordinary people in Hong Kong. Elderly tourists can brew milk tea, enjoy local foods, and learn more about the past and present of Hong Kong. Additionally, the government also supports the development of gerontechnology (乐龄科技), which invents and provides health products and equipment that improve the elderly's quality of life.

What is an aging population?

The aging population refers to a demographic trend in which the elderly population, typically aged 65 and older, makes up a larger proportion of society. This trend is caused by an increase in life expectancy (预计寿命) due to advancements in health technology, as well as a decrease in birth rates resulting from the higher costs of raising children.

Some terms to describe different age groups

There are some terms to describe people who were born within a certain year range: (See the table)

■Grammar booster

Silver fox (n)

An attractive older man, especially one with grey hair.

E.g. She called her dad a silver fox because of his cool grey hair.

■Gear up

Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.

1. The internet has created an ________ global community.

2. The scientist _________________ a groundbreaking new technology for the patients.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

tailored (adj) 专门制作的

invent (v) 发明

readily (adv) 迅速地

interconnected (adj) 互相联系

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[Smarties' Power English 第449期]