What Changed
- Presentation of population aging statistics projecting 2.74 million seniors (36% of total population) in Hong Kong by 2046.
- Review of policy frameworks including 30 silver economy measures launched in May 2025 and 73 ageing society strategy measures published last month.
- Announcement of plans to develop standards for mobility aids like walking sticks, wheelchairs, and exoskeleton systems under the GBA Standards framework.
On October 14, 2026, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED), Mr Algernon Yau, delivered a speech at the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Silver Economy Summit. Addressing leaders from business, finance, healthcare, technology, and professional services, the SCED detailed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s policy framework to address demographic ageing and expand the "silver economy."
Demographic Background and Projections
Demographic statistics highlighted during the speech underscore the scale of Hong Kong's ageing population. As of mid-2025, Hong Kong had nearly 1.8 million residents aged 65 and above, accounting for almost one-quarter of the total population. Projections show this figure rising to 2.74 million by 2046, representing 36 per cent of the city's population. The government emphasizes that this demographic evolution is driving growing demand across multiple sectors for products and services that enable older adults to live healthier, more independent, and fulfilling lives.
Government Policy Frameworks
The SCED highlighted that the silver economy extends beyond elderly care to cover food, retail, travel, healthcare, financial planning, lifestyle, and technology. To capture these opportunities, the HKSAR Government established the Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy and introduced 30 measures across five work areas starting in May 2025:
1. Boosting "silver consumption";
2. Developing the "silver industry";
3. Promoting "quality assurance of silver products";
4. Enhancing "silver financial and security arrangements"; and
5. Unleashing "silver productivity."
Additionally, the Working Group on Ageing Society Strategies, established last year to review cross-bureau policies, released its report last month outlining 73 measures across 11 areas, including silver economy promotion.
Sectoral Implementation and Quality Assurance Progress
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau has been working with industry partners to implement measures focusing on silver consumption and quality assurance:
- Food and Catering: More restaurant chains and food manufacturers are providing soft meals tailored for older individuals with swallowing difficulties.
- Retail and E-Commerce: The government is collaborating with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to expand senior-friendly product availability in physical retail stores and on e-commerce platforms.
- Certification Schemes: The Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) launched the "Hong Kong Registration – Silver-friendly Series," which has received over 160 applications for venues, products, and services across various sectors. Regional standardization has also progressed through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Standard for care food and Hong Kong's first Care Food Product Certification Mark Scheme.
Future Standardisation and GBA Integration
Looking ahead, the government plans to explore extending silver certification across a broader array of age-friendly products and services. Standard formulation efforts will focus specifically on mobility aids, including walking sticks, wheelchairs, and exoskeleton systems. The administration intends to explore incorporating these mobility aid standards into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standards framework. Further planned initiatives include holding additional silver economy trade exhibitions, promoting elderly retail and catering concessions, facilitating senior-friendly e-commerce platforms, and broadening product availability in physical retail outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What statistics define Hong Kong's demographic shift towards an ageing society?
Answer: As of mid-2025, Hong Kong had nearly 1.8 million persons aged 65 and above, representing almost 25 per cent of the population. By 2046, this figure is projected to reach 2.74 million, or 36 per cent of the population.
Question 2: What are the five key areas under the Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy?
Answer: Rolled out since May 2025, the 30 measures cover boosting silver consumption, developing silver industry, promoting quality assurance of silver products, enhancing silver financial and security arrangements, and unleashing silver productivity.
Question 3: What specific quality assurance and certification schemes are currently active for senior products?
Answer: Current initiatives include the HKQAA's "Hong Kong Registration – Silver-friendly Series" (over 160 applications received), the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standard for care food, and Hong Kong's first Care Food Product Certification Mark Scheme.
Question 4: Which specific mobility aids are targeted for future GBA standardisation?
Answer: The government plans to study standards for mobility aids including walking sticks, wheelchairs, and exoskeleton systems, and explore incorporating them into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standards framework.
Question 5: How is the government collaborating with non-governmental and trade bodies for retail expansion?
Answer: The government is working with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to increase senior-friendly product offerings in physical stores and online e-commerce platforms.
Who May Be Affected
Businesses, caterers, technology developers, e-commerce platforms, and healthcare/senior care providers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Cross-Border Context
Reflects regulatory and quality standardization alignment between Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area framework.
What to check next
- Check official publications regarding the Working Group on Ageing Society Strategies report released in September 2026.
- Monitor developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standards framework concerning mobility aids.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.