Retired Women Struggle with Overwhelming Caregiving Responsibilities amid Health and Financial Concerns in Hong Kong

Over 30 percent of retired women feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for family members, a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association found. The poll of 930 women aged 50 to 70 revealed a significant lack of pre-retirement planning, with half of the respondents stating they needed to care for family members – husbands, parents, and children. These women spent an average of five hours and 42 minutes daily on caregiving, with a third feeling the time spent was excessive and 31.4 percent facing extreme pressure. The survey also highlighted health concerns, with the majority experiencing illnesses, pain, and a sharp decline in physical well-being. Mental health was also a prevalent issue, as over half scored high for emotional distress on the GHQ-12 questionnaire. Woo Yuen-ling, service director of employment service and YWCA Movement, emphasized societal expectations forcing women into caregiving roles, impacting their own well-being. Financial worries added to their stress, with many expressing fears about inadequate savings and declining standards of living. The overwhelming desire for more societal support was evident, with a living allowance being the most sought form of assistance. Retirees like Siu Ling shared their struggles, calling for early discussions on labor division post-retirement and urging the government to provide more caregiver support. This survey sheds light on the challenges faced by female retirees and underscores the need for proactive measures to address these pressing issues.