It is clear that the problem of the ageing population in Hong Kong is more serious nowadays and actions should be taken as soon as possible to alleviate the problem.
Many elderly people are left at home with nothing to do after their retirement and may feel that their lives are worthless. A couple of months ago, my grandfather was one of them. He stayed at home most of the days, not because he wanted to, but because he did not know what else he could use his time for. Grandpa felt miserable those days, especially since he lived alone in his flat, he had no one to chat with nor spend time with.
Luckily for him, he met a social worker working at the community center near his apartment during a random shopping trip in a convenience store. The social worker, Jon, after listening to my grandfather’s groans and moans, invited him to do some volunteer work. Jon persuaded grandpa to help out at the center and contribute himself to helping the community. At first, my grandpa refused quite firmly as he thought it was impossible that anyone would need help from someone as old and weak as himself. However, after a longer chat with Jon, he was convinced that despite his age, there was still much use in him. He decided to participate in volunteer work twice a week and it is the best decision he has ever made.
My grandfather instantly transformed himself from a self-despised elderly into a content and jubilant man. He feels as if he has regained a purpose and meaning in his life and his time is no longer wasted. Grandpa even shares with my family his experience in volunteer work. He has helped distribute daily necessities to the less fortunate, organized morning exercise gatherings for the elderly around the block and ease other elderly people out of their anxieties. However, his favorite one of all is to teach kids table tennis during the weekends. He tells us that he can feel rejuvenated with kids around him, as well as having a bit of exercise himself so he enjoys it dearly.
I am completely amazed to see my grandfather change so much after several months of volunteering. He doesn’t slump around in the house anymore, but heads to the community center whenever he has free time and he is much more enthusiastic about his life than before and wears a big smile every day.
I believe that most of the senior citizens in society feel bored and useless after retirement, like my grandfather. It is therefore, essential for us to help the elderly rebuild their confidence. The most effective way is definitely to provide more opportunities for the elderly people to help others in need. By doing so, the elderly would feel less needy and dependent but more proud of their own abilities to aid others. This could enhance Hong Kong’s aged group’s psychological well–being and would help cope with the ageing problem.
Another method is to encourage the elderly people to exercise more, like having morning exercise or playing simple ball games. This can allow constant movement of body muscles; thus, keep the elderly’s physical state healthy and strong. Illnesses would be less frequent and the medical expenses of the elderly people would decrease subsequently. Hong Kong’s ageing problem will be better alleviated.
It is a fact that Hong Kong population is ageing but we should not just turn a blind eye to this problem, but to face it and tackle it.