 has revealed that the number of elders with emigrant children experiencing higher levels of happiness has more than doubled, from 21.9% in the previous year's survey to 56.3%. However, the study also highlighted the persistent challenges of depression and social isolation faced by this demographic.){kind=link}
12th July 2024 – (Hong Kong) A recent survey by the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) has revealed that the number of elders with emigrant children experiencing higher levels of happiness has more than doubled, from 21.9% in the previous year’s survey to 56.3%. However, the study also highlighted the persistent challenges of depression and social isolation faced by this demographic.
The ‘Survey on Service Needs of Elders with Emigrant Children in Hong Kong 2024’, conducted from August 2023 to May 2024, interviewed 135 elders aged 55 and above with emigrant children. While the findings point to improved overall happiness, the survey also uncovered that 45.9% of these elders are living alone, with 63.0% still at a high risk of social isolation.
“Elders find self-worth and identity within the family system under the traditional family value, such as taking care of their descendants and maintaining contact with relatives,” explained Jonathan Lam, Supervisor of Bliss OPlus at HKCS. “However, after their children emigrated, they lost their focus in life and roles, and they also hesitated in sharing about their children’s emigration or expressing their emotions.”
The survey revealed that the frequency of contact with emigrant children had a significant impact on the elders’ well-being. Elders who maintained weekly contact with their children generally experienced higher levels of happiness, less depression, and better social situations. However, 49.6% of the elders struggled to use smartphones independently or did not possess them, hindering their ability to stay connected with their children abroad.
In response to these findings, HKCS launched the ‘Community Helper – Support for Elders with Emigrant Family’ programme in August 2023, providing a range of activities and home visit services. The survey results demonstrated the positive impact of this initiative, with 54.0% of elders with emigrant children who previously exhibited signs of depression reporting reduced levels, and 66.7% of those with lower happiness levels experiencing improvements.
“Compared to the care services needed by elders, elders with emigrant children require more emotional support to adapt to the change in roles brought about by their children’s emigration,” explained Annie Shum, a Social Worker on the ‘Community Helper – Support for Elders with Emigrant Family’ project. “Many of these elders still possess the desire and ability to thrive. With appropriate assistance, they can showcase their strengths and live a fulfilling second life.”
HKCS has outlined several recommendations to address the needs of this vulnerable group, including facilitating peer support, encouraging emotional awareness and professional assistance, and creating dedicated platforms to enhance the elders’ self-worth and role transformation. As the emigration wave continues to shape Hong Kong’s social landscape, these efforts aim to ensure that elders with emigrant children can find renewed joy and fulfilment in their later years.