The plight of low-income older adults in Hong Kong: Succumbing to barriers or battling with hardship in employment

Abstract

This study explores the employment challenges of older low-income adults in Hong Kong, who have limited retirement savings and social security benefits. The study uses a convenience sample of 201 participants aged 55–74. The results show that poor health, family caring duties, and lack of skills are major obstacles to employment, and that many employed older adults face some ageist practices. The study also finds that working out of financial need negatively, and experience of ageism practices in workplace affect their well-being and life satisfaction.