How can I get involved in supporting older people in my community? It’s a question that gets asked often, but not enough if we’re being honest with ourselves. 

Just saying any one of the words used to describe this population –  “elderly” “ageing” “seniors” can evoke a sense of respect and care – or for many – pity and misunderstanding.

In Hong Kong, the elderly population is increasing rapidly. By 2030, it's estimated that one in every five residents will be 65 or older. This demographic shift brings with it a host of challenges—healthcare, social isolation, and financial insecurity are just the tip of the iceberg. Our aging population faces challenges that are both urgent and complex, and it’s time we shine a spotlight on these issues.

Education and awareness are key. We must engage the younger generation, encouraging them to understand and empathise with the struggles of our elderly. Initiatives that promote intergenerational bonding, like community outings and volunteer programs, can bridge the gap. Imagine a young person spending time with an elder, learning life lessons and sharing experiences. Providing companionship and connection. It’s a win-win.

HandsOn developed Generation Connect – a program that pairs up an isolated elderly person with a volunteer family. A 2023 Research Report on the Needs of Grassroots Elderly Households, found that less than 10% of low-income elderly receive regular care from their children. Over half of the elderly we support live alone.  The bustling city of Hong Kong, with all its vibrancy, can feel incredibly lonely for those who are disconnected from their communities. 

With strong partnership from the Hong Kong Club Foundation, we’ve been running Generation Connect for four years, and have supported 296 vulnerable elderly. Each of these receives love and care from a child and their parent or carer.

This program fosters environments where our elderly have access to caring volunteer supporters. Seniors can engage, share stories, and feel valued. Just recently our volunteer families and their elderly buddies took part in a craft-making workshop together. In the past, they’ve taken trips to the theatre, the farm, and museums.

For some, it’s been the volunteers who have responded to their healthcare needs – helping to book doctor appointments, collect prescriptions, and in one instance being the warm face by their hospital bedside during a more severe health concern. Sometimes, advocating on behalf of an elderly person – helping them to gain access to financial aid, reduce hospital or housing waiting times that they face, or simply raising awareness about their rights and needs within the community is what goes the furthest. We owe this to a generation that has given so much to our city. It’s time we give them something back. 

So what can you do? HandsOn is looking for more volunteers to support local elderly individuals – these could be parents and children, or teens who just want to help and gain something too. We realise that no matter the age, connecting generations is the powerful thing about it. 

We’re looking for Cantonese, English or Mandarin speakers who can join a six-month program filled with meaningful activities. Volunteers will commit to sharing weekly phone calls, monthly activities, shopping trips and outings with this special group. It’s all supported by HandsOn, and you’ll be part of a wider community of families who are doing the same thing. Find us at handsonhongkong.org. 

I’d like to thank our volunteers – all 381 of them who have accompanied us on this shared path already, and invite many more of you to do the same. Together we can not only enrich their lives but also our own.

The song I'd like to request is Al Jolson’s “Sonny Boy” , a dedication to a HandsOn colleague’s Grandpa Ronnie who we said goodbye to this week.