Solace in strangers

Support network

To help the elderly fully tap into these resources, volunteers, particularly health workers, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the public healthcare system and the community, says Lee. For example, they can help seniors articulate symptoms clearly during medical consultations. They can also help ensure that medications and treatments prescribed are taken correctly at home.

Volunteers residing within the community themselves are also able to efficiently identify elderly residents in need of help and respond promptly, says Lee.

However, compared with other places, like the United Kingdom, Hong Kong's volunteer culture lacks robustness, with many volunteers showing short-term commitments, according to Lee. She suggests enhancing volunteer engagement through specialized programs, including courses for beginners, and providing prompt professional services to enable volunteers to truly enjoy their work and support those in need effectively.

In her view, volunteers are just part of the comprehensive support network for elderly people living alone, and the government should enhance community care services as demand increases amid an aging population. For instance, community rehabilitation services should be stepped up through the public healthcare system, and using volunteers and other resources to help the elderly regain mobility and self-care abilities after illness or injury. There should also be improved palliative care services in the community to support those who choose to spend their final days in familiar surroundings with their loved ones.

Gerontechnology has increasingly been discussed in recent years as a means to better late-life experiences. Under this theme, various activities, such as expositions, seminars and research projects, have been organized by the government, universities, charitable organizations, and the tech industry. Given that many seniors can't afford technological products, organizations are offering rental services to ensure that all seniors, particularly those living alone, have the necessary support to spend their remaining years in comfort.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu calls for technology to be included in the daily lives of the elderly to help them promptly report emergencies and seek help. For instance, if an elderly person falls, and remains immobile for over a minute, sensors could automatically alert the building management, or activate alert lights outside their doors to seek assistance from neighbors.

He says multiple government departments, including the Housing Authority and the Hospital Authority, should work together, combine resources and establish a registry for seniors living alone.

The presence of dedicated volunteers has brought a fresh dose of joy to Tse's solitary life. Sometimes, she would find herself less lonely in the company of chatty and curious high school students who visit her regularly, reminding her of her grandson living abroad.

Peony Chau, 17, who has been working as a volunteer since late last year, says what they do is more than just visiting lonely elderly residents. They engage them in conversations and performances, encourage them to take part in cognitive games, and help them handle basic digital tasks like uploading photos onto cellphones to apply for a JoyYou Card, a type of Octopus card offering ticket concession for residents aged over 60.

According to the EMV, more young people have become volunteers in recent years to help seniors living alone, just like "fresh seeds taking root".

Chau, an epitome of this trend, says her visits have restored smiles on the faces of seniors, especially during festive occasions like Christmas.

Yet, she's aware there is no immediate panacea for solving the problem. Seeing the elderly's conundrum in late life has made her realize that Hong Kong is far from ready to get to the bottom of it, and they, as part of the community, need to do more.