Research Seminar: Rethinking Long-Term Care Investment

As populations age globally, the financing of long-term care (LTC) becomes increasingly critical for ensuring societal well-being and economic stability. On April 24, 2025, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies (RCGFS) and the Centre for Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship (CSPSE), hosted a seminar on this vital topic, titled "Rethinking Long-Term Care Investment." The seminar was presented by Dr. Wei Yang, a distinguished expert in the field.

Dr. Wei Yang is an Associate Professor in Health Economics and Policy and Director of the Institute of Gerontology at King’s College London. Her work focuses on the economic and societal implications of long-term care, with a particular emphasis on financing models and their impact on healthcare systems and family structures.

The seminar commenced at 11:00am on the PolyU campus in Hung Hom. Dr. Yang's presentation explored the multifaceted benefits of investing in LTC, using evidence from both European and Chinese contexts. She discussed how strategic LTC financing can improve the allocation of resources, alleviate hospital congestion by providing alternatives to acute care, and optimize the utilization of healthcare services. Furthermore, Dr. Yang highlighted the role of LTC insurance in alleviating the pressures on caregivers, which, in turn, can facilitate greater participation in the labor market, especially among younger family members who often bear the responsibility of caregiving. Dr. Yang concluded that integrated LTC financing is essential for promoting healthcare sustainability and overall societal well-being.

The seminar was a success, drawing a diverse audience of faculty, students, and researchers from PolyU and other universities.