How Important are AFC Characteristics in An East Asian City? A Critical Analysis in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s more demographically aged cities with the population aged 65+ projected to reach 23% by 2025. The city’s infrastructure is well developed and generally reflects WHO AFC domains. However, how do older respondents react to and assess AFC characteristics? Might socio-economic and cultural variables be of equal or greater importance in this predominantly Chinese population? This empirical study explores the relationships of AFC characteristics to psychological well-being (PWB), using quantitative data (n= 503 older respondents) and qualitative focus group data. The data are analysed by socio-economic status to investigate whether this has any role in attitudes to AFC characteristics and outcomes. In general, preliminary analysis indicates AFC dimensions are positively related to PWB, though associations are statistically small to medium. Whilst social provision/participation and infrastructure did often relate to PWB, other factors, such as physical health and social status, might be more salient.