TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New Taipei City Government says the city has about 790,000 senior residents — nearly 20% of the population — with an estimated 57,000 affected by dementia.
At a press conference Tuesday outlining senior care initiatives, Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said each of New Taipei’s 29 districts will establish at least one dementia-supportive community this year, per CNA.
Hou noted the city has nearly 80 dementia care centers. The government has also partnered with 22 local groups to bring performances and activities to seniors, which are expected to help slow the onset of dementia and physical disability.
Earlier this month, Hou said the city plans to establish a long-term care community inspired by the Netherlands’ Hogeweyk. The Dutch facility offers seniors independence with caregiver support and includes shops, restaurants, and a theater to help residents maintain their lifestyles.
Hou added the city also plans additional long-term care communities in Sanzhi and Tamsui districts. These will integrate care institutions, public health centers, and age-friendly housing, and feature AI-powered systems to enhance caregiving services.
Common signs of dementia include memory loss, confusion about time or location, and trouble with language. Chen Lin-ling (陳琳淩), a caregiver at Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital’s dementia care center, said music, games, and gardening can help improve hand strength and delay cognitive decline.
Taiwan is set to become a super-aged society this year, with more than 4.6 million people aged 65 and above, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. As of last year, more than 350,000 elderly people in Taiwan had dementia, a number projected to exceed 470,000 by 2031. In response, the ministry says it has established over 17,000 care centers and trained more than 560,000 caregivers.
