The Government has set up an inter-departmental study team to look into old-age security mechanisms to cope with the challenges and impacts brought about by an aging population. The team came into operation today, according to today's Government Gazette. The team's core functions include reviewing current policies and measures on old-age security and to come up with proposals for improvement; conducting a comprehensive study on medical, housing and retirement policies for the elderly and suggesting tactics to improve the quality of life for the elderly; providing concrete measures to enhance the old-age security mechanism; promoting co-operation with non-government associations and private entities to support and assist in researches; following up and evaluating the progress of study and submitting a follow-up report to Chief Executive. The Director of the Social Welfare Bureau will co-ordinate the study team. Other members include representatives from Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, directors from Statistics and Census Service; Labour Affairs Bureau, Health Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Culture Affairs Bureau, Macau Sport Development Board, Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Housing Bureau, Transport Bureau, presidents from the Social Security Fund, and director of Seniors Academy of Macao Polytechnic Institute. The study team may invite staff from other departments, private entities and academics to participate in researches. Moreover, it is empowered to set up special teams for specific research topics if necessary.
