Local epidemiological studies have shown that nearly 10% of the elderly population of Hong Kong have clinical levels of depressive symptoms. Factors such as stress, health problems and a lack of social engagement usually contribute to the vulnerability of older adults and higher risks of elderly depression and other major illnesses. In response to this concern, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved over HK$678 million to initiate the “JC JoyAge: Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness” (JC JoyAge). 

Through cross-sectoral collaboration, JC JoyAge provides a community-based supporting network for our senior citizens to enhance their resiliency in facing the challenges of ageing. Since 2016, the service model bridges District Elderly Community Centres (“DECCs”) and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (“ICCMWs”) to establish a collaborative and integrated service model, which renders standardised prevention and timely intervention services for the older adults at-risk of or with depressive symptoms, according to their risk level and severity of symptoms. The project has been successfully implemented in all 18 districts since 2022, covering over 70% of service units providing community mental health services and district elderly services. Starting in 2024, JC JoyAge has further expanded its service to a wider age group on top of the elderly, serving people with depressive symptoms aged 45 or above, and will strengthen social-medical collaboration in the community.