78% of low-income elderly Hongkongers report heat-related distress, survey finds

A recent survey in Hong Kong revealed that 78% of low-income elderly residents experienced physical or mental distress during periods of extreme heat. The Department of Health's data revealed that the elderly population is the city's most vulnerable demographic to extreme temperatures, with heatstroke hospitalizations and deaths increasing 16-fold between 2015 and 2024.

This summer, Hong Kong has seen temperatures soar to an all-time high of 36.9 degrees Celsius, prompting calls for stronger government support and heat-prevention measures.

The Greenpeace study interviewed 127 residents aged 65 or above in seven districts with aging populations, including Kwai Tsing, Wong Tai Sin, and Kowloon City. Over half of the respondents lived in public housing, and 35% resided in inadequate housing. Nearly three-quarters of the participants reported experiencing at least one heat-related physical discomfort, such as dizziness, headaches, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and a rapid heartbeat. Additionally, about 5.5% had been hospitalized for heat-related illnesses in the past year.

The survey also uncovered that many elderly people lacked awareness of heat-prevention measures. Almost 71% believed that staying indoors eliminated the risk of heatstroke, while 35% avoided using air conditioning during extreme heat to save on electricity costs. Greenpeace campaigner Prudence Yeung explained that aging populations often have reduced sensitivity to heat due to physiological declines and that chronic illnesses further increase vulnerability during extreme weather.

Despite existing protocols for cold weather support, such as supply distribution and home visits, only 20% of respondents received heat-related community services like heat-safety education or cooling supplies in the past two years. Moreover, 95% of respondents never or rarely utilized temporary heat shelters, citing distance or unawareness as reasons.

Yeung urged the Social Welfare Department to coordinate with social welfare agencies for home visits during extreme heat, especially for elderly individuals living alone. She called for resources to fund cooling supplies and electricity subsidies and for the government to establish a comprehensive "people-centred" heat-action plan that would prompt swift, cross-departmental actions and community support during periods of extreme heat.