HKElderlyChronicles

Elderly mental health in Hong Kong is a growing and deeply concerning public health issue, particularly as the city’s population continues to age rapidly. Hong Kong has one of the highest elderly suicide rates in the world, with individuals aged 65 and older being disproportionately affected.

Several factors contribute to this trend, including social isolation, chronic illness, mental health issues, financial insecurity, and the pressure of rising living costs. Many elderly individuals in Hong Kong face feelings of loneliness, depression, and a sense of burden on their families.

Source: SCMP "Proportion of elderly Hongkongers struggling with moderate or severe loneliness almost doubles since 2018, study finds," 2018

Remembering the stories of the elderly

Noticing this, I— Wong Kam Tim Timothy from the ISF Academy— decided to volunteer at an elderly home in Mong Kok. I aided the elderly in rehabilitation exercises and interviewed 19 of them to learn about their facinating life stories. So, this website is written to remember their legacy, serving as a reminder to the elderly that they are not alone as they continue to age.

Note: The photos of the elderly are not included for privacy reasons.

Story 1: Grandma Wong

I am a 92 year old grandma from GuangZhou, Mainland China. I immigrated to Hong Kong during the 1960s and became a prominent side actor for the local television station TVB. Before I came into the retirement home, I spent a lot of time with my grandchildren, caring for them and taking them to school. I also spent time with a local church on Hong Kong island, where I was able to have fun with other elderly and spend a lot of time chatting with them. But now, as I become older and living costs continue to rise, I decided to take the burden off of my children to come live in this retirement home.

我是一位來自中國大陸廣州的 92 歲老奶奶。上世紀六十年代，我移民到香港，成為香港無線電視台的著名配角。在來養老院之前，我花了很多時間陪伴孫輩，照顧他們，送他們上學。我還在香港島的一個當地教會度過了一段時間，在那裡我可以和其他老人一起玩樂，花很多時間和他們聊天。但現在，隨著我年紀越來越大，生活費不斷上漲，我決定減輕子女的負擔，來到這家養老院生活。

Story 2: Grandpa Chen

I am an 88-year-old grandpa from Shenzhen, Mainland China. I moved to Hong Kong in the 1970s when the city was booming with opportunities. I worked as a carpenter and helped build many homes and shops throughout the city. When I retired, I dedicated most of my time to gardening in my small backyard and teaching my grandchildren the art of woodwork. I also spent many afternoons in Kowloon Park with old friends, reflecting on the changing times. Now, I’ve moved into this retirement home to give my children peace of mind and to enjoy the company of others in my twilight years.

我是來自中國大陸深圳的88歲爺爺。我在1970年代搬到香港，當時這裡充滿了機會。我曾是一名木匠，幫助建造了許多房屋和商店。退休後，我大部分時間都在自己的小後院園藝，並教導我的孫子女木工的藝術。我也常常在九龍公園和老朋友們一起回憶過去的歲月。如今，我搬進了這家養老院，給孩子們減輕負擔，也能在晚年享受和其他老人相伴的時光。

Story 3: Grandma Wing

I am a 90-year-old grandma from Shanghai, Mainland China. During the 1950s, I fled to Hong Kong with my husband to escape political turmoil. We started a small tailoring business in Mong Kok and raised three children. After my husband passed away, I focused on my grandchildren, sewing clothes for them and teaching them how to cook traditional Shanghainese dishes. I used to meet my friends at a community center, where we practiced tai chi together. As living alone became more challenging, I decided to move to this retirement home to lighten the load on my family.

我是來自中國大陸上海的90歲奶奶。 1950年代，為了避開政治動盪，我和先生逃到了香港。在旺角開了一家小裁縫店，養育了三個孩子。丈夫過世後，我把大部分時間都用來照顧孫輩，為他們縫製衣服，教他們如何做傳統的上海菜。我曾經和朋友們一起在社區中心鍛鍊太極拳。如今，隨著年紀增大，我決定搬進這家養老院，減輕家人的負擔。

Story 4: Grandpa Long

I am a 79-year-old grandpa from Kowloon, Hong Kong. I spent my entire life working as a tram driver, navigating the streets of Hong Kong Island for over 40 years. I loved every moment of it, especially the conversations with passengers from all walks of life. After retirement, I devoted my time to my grandchildren, taking them to the Hong Kong Science Museum and Victoria Park on weekends. I also enjoyed playing mahjong with old friends at the local community center. However, as my health declined and my children became busy with their own lives, I decided to move into this retirement home, where I can receive proper care and still enjoy the company of my peers.

我是來自香港九龍的79歲爺爺。我一生都在做電車司機，在香港島的街道上駕駛了40多年。我非常熱愛這份工作，特別是與各種各樣的乘客聊天的時光。退休後，我把大部分時間都花在孫子女身上，週末常帶他們去香港科學館和維多利亞公園。我也喜歡在當地的社區中心和老朋友打麻將。然而，隨著我的健康狀況惡化，孩子們也越來越忙，我決定搬進這家養老院，在這裡我可以得到適當的照顧，同時還能和同齡人一起享受生活。

Story 5: Grandma Chen

I am a 69-year-old grandma from Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. I worked as a wet market vendor for many years, selling fresh vegetables in my stall. I raised three children in a small flat, and later helped care for my grandchildren, walking them to school every day and teaching them how to cook traditional Cantonese dishes. I was also active in a local knitting club, where I made blankets and scarves for my family. As I grew older and found it harder to live independently, I decided to move into this retirement home to ease the burden on my children and enjoy my remaining years with other elderly residents.

我是來自香港深水埗的69歲奶奶。我在濕貨市場做了很多年小販，賣新鮮蔬菜。我在一個小公寓裡養了三個孩子，後來也照顧了孫輩，每天帶他們上學，教他們做傳統的粵菜。我還活躍於本地的編織俱樂部，為家人織毛毯和圍巾。隨著年紀增大，獨立生活變得越來越困難，我決定搬進這家養老院，減輕孩子們的負擔，並與其他老人一起享受剩下的時光。

Story 6: Grandpa Man

I am an 80-year-old grandpa from Foshan, Mainland China. In the 1950s, I relocated to Hong Kong to work as a construction worker. I helped build many of the skyscrapers that now define the city’s skyline. After I retired, I spent my mornings practicing martial arts in Victoria Park and my afternoons helping my grandchildren with their studies. When my health began to decline, I knew it was time to move into this retirement home so that my children wouldn’t have to worry about my care.

我是來自中國大陸佛山的90歲爺爺。在1950年代，我來到香港，成為一名建築工人。我幫忙建造了許多如今定義城市天際線的摩天大樓。退休後，我每天早上在維多利亞公園練習武術，下午則幫助孫子女學習。隨著健康狀況的惡化，我知道是時候搬進安養院了，這樣孩子們就不用擔心我的照顧問題。

Story 7: Grandpa Wong

I am an 89-year-old grandpa from Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. I spent most of my life as a fisherman in Aberdeen, venturing out to sea to catch fish that I sold at the local market. After I retired, I spent time with my grandchildren, taking them out on my boat and telling them stories about the sea. I also enjoyed going to the local temple to meet with friends and participate in festivals. As my mobility became limited and living alone became difficult, I chose to move into this retirement home to ensure I get the care I need while still being close to my family.

我是來自香港上環的89歲爺爺。我一生大部分時間都在香港仔當漁夫，出海捕魚並在本地市場出售。退休後，我常常帶孫輩出海，跟他們說關於大海的故事。我還喜歡去當地的廟宇，與朋友們見面，參加各種節慶活動。隨著行動越來越不便，獨居生活變得困難，我選擇搬進這家養老院，以確保自己能夠得到良好的照護，同時還能離家人近一些。

Story 8: Grandpa Liu

I am an 82-year-old grandpa from Wuhan, Mainland China. I came to Hong Kong in the 1980s to work in a textile factory in Tsuen Wan. The work was tough, but I was able to send my children to good schools. After retirement, I spent most of my time fishing with my friends and taking my grandchildren on weekend trips to Sai Kung. I’ve moved to this retirement home as my health has deteriorated, and I want to relieve my children of the responsibility of caring for me full-time.

我是來自中國大陸武漢的82歲爺爺。我在1980年代搬到香港，在荃灣的一家紡織廠工作。工作雖然辛苦，但我成功地送我的孩子們上了好學校。退休後，我大部分時間都和朋友釣魚，週末則帶著孫子女去西貢旅行。隨著健康狀況的下降，我搬進了這家養老院，以確保得到適當的照顧，也不讓我的孩子們負擔太重。

Story 9: Grandma Zhao

I am a 72-year-old grandma from Macau. I moved to Hong Kong in the early 1960s to work as a seamstress in a clothing factory. I raised four children and later took care of my grandchildren, often walking them to Hong Kong Disneyland. I was also an active participant in the local Catholic Church, where I made many lifelong friends. Now, I’ve relocated to this retirement home to ensure I get the care I need while easing the pressure on my family.

我是來自澳門的90歲奶奶。我在1960年代初搬到香港，在一家服裝廠當縫紉工。我養育了四個孩子，後來又常帶著孫子女去香港迪士尼樂園。我也是當地天主教堂的活躍參與者，在那裡結識了許多朋友。現在，我搬到了這家養老院，以確保我得到適當的照顧，也為家人減輕負擔

Story 10: Grandpa Zhang

I am a 72-year-old grandpa from Zhuhai, Mainland China. I came to Hong Kong in the 1970s to work as a taxi driver. I loved driving through the city’s busy streets and sharing stories with passengers. After I retired, I spent a lot of time with my grandchildren, taking them on road trips around the New Territories. I’ve come to this retirement home so I can receive proper care and not place a heavy burden on my children.

我是來自中國大陸珠海的93歲爺爺。我在1970年代搬到香港，成為了一名計程車司機。我喜歡在城市的繁忙街道上駕駛，與乘客分享故事。退休後，我常帶著孫輩們自駕遊新界。如今，我搬進了這家養老院，以確保得到妥善照顧，並減輕孩子們的負擔。

Story 11: Grandma Liang

I am a 76-year-old grandma from Wan Chai, Hong Kong. I worked as a primary school teacher for over 30 years, shaping the minds of Hong Kong's future generations. After retirement, I spent much of my time tutoring my grandchildren and taking them to cultural events around the city. I also volunteered at a local library, where I helped organize reading sessions for children. As my health started to decline and I became more dependent, I decided to move into this retirement home to take the pressure off my children and live comfortably with others who share similar experiences.

我是來自香港灣仔的76歲奶奶。我曾是小學教師，教了30多年，培養了香港的未來一代。退休後，我大部分時間都在輔導孫輩，也常帶他們去看城市裡的文化活動。我也在當地的圖書館做義工，幫忙組織兒童閱讀活動。隨著我的健康狀況逐漸惡化，生活日漸依賴他人，我決定搬進這家養老院，減輕孩子們的壓力，並與有相似經歷的老人們一起安享晚年。

Story 12: Grandpa Ding

I am an 89-year-old grandpa from Tianjin, Mainland China. I came to Hong Kong in the mid-1970s to work as a teacher at a local school. I spent decades educating young minds and later helped tutor my own grandchildren. I also loved spending time in the local library, studying history and philosophy. Now, I’ve decided to move to this retirement home, where I can enjoy a peaceful environment while my children focus on their careers and families.

我是來自中國大陸天津的89歲爺爺。我在1970年代中期搬到香港，在當地學校當老師。我教書育人幾十年，後來也幫忙輔導我的孫子。我還喜歡花時間在圖書館裡研究歷史和哲學。如今，我搬進了這家養老院，在這裡我可以享受安靜的環境，而我的孩子們可以專注於他們的事業和家庭。

Story 13: Grandma Li

I am a 66-year-old grandma from Hunan, Mainland China. I came to Hong Kong in the late 1960s with my family. I worked as a cook in a small restaurant in Wan Chai, where I became known for my spicy Hunan dishes. After retirement, I spent most of my time caring for my grandchildren and attending activities at a local senior center. Now, I’ve decided to live in this retirement home, where I can be surrounded by people my age and not be a burden to my children.

我是一位來自中國內地湖南的奶奶，今年 66 歲。我在 1960 年代末隨家人來到香港。我曾在灣仔一間小餐館擔任廚師，以烹調辛辣的湘菜而聞名。退休後，我大部分時間都在照顧孫兒和參加當地老人中心的活動。現在，我決定住進這間退休之家，在這裡我可以和同齡人相處，也不會成為子女的負擔。

Story 14: Grandpa Li

I am an 84-year-old grandpa from Chengdu, Mainland China. I moved to Hong Kong in the 1980s to work as a chef in a famous Sichuanese restaurant. I spent my weekends teaching my grandchildren how to make traditional dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken. In my later years, I became a regular at the local teahouse, where I played Chinese chess with old friends. As my health has declined, I’ve moved into this retirement home to get the care I need without burdening my family.

我是來自中國大陸成都的84歲爺爺。我在1980年代搬到香港，在一家著名的川菜館當廚師。週末，我喜歡教孫輩如何做傳統的川菜，如麻婆豆腐和宮保雞丁。晚年，我常光顧附近的茶館，與老朋友下棋。隨著健康狀況的惡化，我搬進了這家養老院，以便得到照顧，不給家人增加負擔。

Story 15: Grandma Zhou

I am a 74-year-old grandma from Hangzhou, Mainland China. I moved to Hong Kong in the 1970s after my husband got a job in a trading company. I spent my days caring for our children and later my grandchildren, whom I often took to the park to feed the birds. I also loved attending Cantonese opera performances with friends. As my health has worsened, I decided to move into this retirement home to relieve my children of the pressure of looking after me.

我是來自中國大陸杭州的74歲奶奶。我在1970年代搬到香港，我的丈夫在一家貿易公司工作。我每天都照顧我們的孩子，後來又照顧孫輩，常常帶他們去公園餵鳥。我還喜歡和朋友一起去看粵劇表演。隨著健康狀況的惡化，我決定搬進這家安養院，減輕孩子們照顧我的壓力。

Story 16: Grandpa Huang

I am a 93-year-old grandpa from Harbin, Mainland China. I came to Hong Kong in the 1980s after retiring from a long career as a railway engineer. In Hong Kong, I helped care for my grandchildren, teaching them how to ice skate and telling them stories about life in the cold northeast. Now, as I face health issues, I’ve moved into this retirement home to ensure I receive the care I need and to reduce the burden on my children.

我是來自中國大陸哈爾濱的93歲爺爺。我在1980年代搬到香港，此前我是一名鐵路工程師，已經退休。在香港，我幫忙照顧孫輩，教他們滑冰，並告訴他們東北的生活。現在，由於健康問題，我搬進了這家養老院，以確保得到照顧，並為孩子們減輕負擔。

Story 17: Grandma Hu

I am a 75-year-old grandma from Xi’an, Mainland China. I moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s after meeting my husband, who worked as an accountant. We raised two children, and I spent my later years caring for my grandchildren, teaching them stories about the Terracotta Warriors and the history of our homeland. As I’ve become older and more dependent, I decided to live in this retirement home to take the burden off my family.

我是來自中國大陸西安的75歲奶奶。我在1960年代搬到香港，和我的丈夫相遇結婚，他是一名會計師。我們養育了兩個孩子，後來我又照顧了孫輩，跟他們講解兵馬俑的故事和我們家鄉的歷史。如今，隨著年紀大了，日漸依賴別人，我決定搬進這間安養院，減輕家人的負擔。

Story 18: Grandpa Guo

I am a 77-year-old grandpa from Qingdao, Mainland China. I moved to Hong Kong in the 1970s to work as a fisherman. After retiring, I enjoyed taking my grandchildren to the beach and teaching them how to fish. I also spent my mornings exercising with friends at the waterfront. Now, as my health has declined, I’ve moved into this retirement home to ensure my children don’t feel overwhelmed with my care.

我是來自中國大陸青島的77歲爺爺。我在1970年代搬到香港，當了一名漁夫。退休後，我喜歡帶孫子去海邊，教他們如何釣魚。我還喜歡早晨和朋友們一起在海邊運動。現在，隨著健康的惡化，我搬進了這家養老院，以確保我的孩子們不會被我照顧的責任壓垮。

Story 19: Grandma He

I am an 81-year-old grandma from Guilin, Mainland China. I moved to Hong Kong in the 1960s with my husband, who was a tour guide. After he passed away, I spent a lot of time caring for my grandchildren and enjoying walks in the local parks. I also volunteered at a nearby temple, helping with the festivals. As my health has weakened, I decided to move to this retirement home to ease the burden on my children and live comfortably in my old age.

我是來自中國大陸桂林的81歲奶奶。我在1960年代和丈夫一起來到了香港，他是一名導遊。在他過世後，我花了大量時間照顧孫輩，享受在公園散步的時光。我還在附近的寺廟做義工，協助節慶活動。隨著健康的衰退，我決定搬進這家養老院，減輕孩子們的負擔，並在晚年過著舒適的生活。