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the benefits of implementing screening and chronic
disease management programs. Lifestyle change
programs, such as healthy eating and exercise, are
demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the in-
cidence rates of stroke and cardiovascular disease
(Lee & Paffenbarger, 1998; Lee, Folsom & Blair, 2003;
He, Nowson & MacGregor, 2006). Chronic disease
management programs can successfully decrease
hospital readmission of heart failure and cardiovas-
cular disease by 30%, all cause readmission by 12%
and combined event of readmission of death by 18%
(Gonseth et al., 2004).

In the U.K., the net contribution of people
aged 65 years or older to the society amounts to
ć40 billion, far exceeding their consumption. Their
economic contribution includes spending (ć75 bil-
lion), taxation and other financial contributions (ć75
billion) (Cook, 2011). Older people in the U.K. also con-
tribute through providing social care and engaging
in voluntary work (ć44 billion) (Cook, 2011). The Aus-
tralian government estimates that women aged
between 65 and 74 years contribute to AUD $16 bil-
lion per year in unpaid caregiving and voluntary work
(Vaus, Gray, & Stanton, 2003). Economic contribution
of volunteers in Hong Kong aged 60 to 79 years is
valued at US$117 million in 2007, and is estimated to
be 0.55% of GDP (Leeson & Harper, 2007).

Considering the evidence, we proposed the
Chronic Disease Management Voucher Scheme
and Health-Enabling Network as facilitating pro-
grams to realize integrated person-centered care.
With better health, the productivity of the older pop-
ulation can be enhanced if they are given the right
platform, as such, this report also advocates the es-
tablishment of age-enabling infrastructures.

Investments in building an integrated per-
son-care system and an age-enabling environment
will yield the return of sustainable ageing societies,
which recognize the value and cumulative contribu-
tion of every member of society regardless of age
and health, enabling their engagement and partici-
pation in social life. Investments are required for the
celebration of aging.

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