Fighting loneliness in Hong Kong: the elderly models, chefs and changemakers transforming how we age

Recognising that such routine moments bring people together, in 2021, Anita Lee founded social enterprise Time to Gold, a platform that preserves these treasured recipes and honours elderly Hongkongers by giving them the chance to show their expertise. Her inspiration came from “a deep admiration for the craftsmanship and artistry of traditional local pastries, which are often passed down through generations of elders”. Time to Gold organises cooking workshops where elderly women teach and reminisce about their cultural heritage through pastry-making. These sessions foster camaraderie, mutual respect and the sharing of stories that strengthen community bonds.

Beyond the workshops, Time to Gold has established more than 20 retail outlets that provide work opportunities for older people in various settings. “This holistic approach offers multiple avenues for seniors to remain active, connected and engaged in meaningful work, reinforcing their sense of purpose and belonging,” Lee says. “A strong sense of belonging can significantly enhance seniors’ emotional well-being, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. It boosts their confidence, gives them a sense of purpose, and encourages active participation in social activities.”

As inspiring as this sounds, it’s not devoid of obstacles. Lee says, “One of the main challenges we face is overcoming societal perceptions of ageing, which can sometimes undervalue seniors’ contributions.” This perception can lead to stereotypes, intergenerational misunderstanding and ageism in the workplace and society, which directly impact these individuals’ sense of belonging.

Cheung calls for an “age-enabling” atmosphere in our daily interactions with the elderly. When a community fosters an inclusive attitude towards seniors, they feel more comfortable and empowered to adopt an active lifestyle.

This “age-enabling” atmosphere must begin at home. Queenie Man, founder of Project Futurus, a social enterprise that promotes positive ageing, says that isolation often starts with living conditions. Even those people living in retirement homes surrounded by peers may face isolation if their environment doesn’t foster genuine community and engagement.

“Imagine arriving at an old-age home with just a small suitcase, your entire life packed inside,” says Man. “Many older adults have told me, ‘I’ll never go to a care home; it feels like a prison.’”

The prison metaphor isn’t hyperbole. In Hong Kong, most residential care homes for the elderly still operate under a traditional model where decisions are made by operators, with little input from residents themselves. Residents have limited autonomy over simple choices: when to wake up, what to eat and how to spend time. “Ageing is not a choice, and it can be a lonely journey marked by uncertainty, disconnection and loss,” Man says. “Yet the right to make decisions should not diminish with age.”

To shift this paradigm, she argues, we must start by asking the opinions of older people themselves, recognising and respecting their preferences. When they are part of the decision-making process, care is more likely to reflect their needs and lived experiences. During a recent visit to Cape Town for the International Federation on Ageing Conference, Man met the Hangberg Seniors, a local group that gathers weekly at a community centre. In a modest setting, they spend mornings singing gospel songs, exercising and sharing simple meals. “Despite limited resources, their spirit was uplifting,” Man says. “The joy in their companionship and the strength of their community were truly inspiring.”

Through Project Futurus, she hopes to bring this same joy and, above all, dignity to senior living conditions. One of its programmes is Captain Softmeal, which helps those suffering from swallowing difficulties improve their quality of life through a texture-modified diet. To date, Captain Softmeal has delivered more than 70,000 soft meals to elderly homes, elderly centres and rehabilitation facilities.

Man says, “We’ve connected with more than 4,500 elders living with dementia and swallowing difficulties. Some moments are deeply moving, such as when gong gong [granddad] and po po [grandma] light up with smiles and laughter. One of my most cherished memories from our dim sum delivery programme was when a granny held my hands tightly, looked me in the eyes, and said, ‘I haven’t felt this happy in years.’”

To spread this kind of happiness across the city’s silver generation, we have to reimagine the culture of care. This requires a collective shift in mindset, where ageing is normalised and old people are given the dignity, autonomy and empathy they deserve. Because ultimately, what made those television moments in The Man on the Inside or The Thursday Murder Club so moving wasn’t the mystery-solving or the comedy, it was witnessing people who refused to let age diminish their capacity for friendship, joy and purpose. What got us misty-eyed was not wishful thinking about an idyllic retirement, but realising that it’s entirely possible to live one’s golden years filled with joie de vivre—if we work towards it as a society.

NOW READ

Sophie Delafontaine transforms beanies and mittens into Longchamp’s most playful bags yet

The making of Lhakpa Sherpa: inside the extreme athlete’s record-breaking journey

As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s biotech boom transforms global markets