The aging population has become an increasingly worrying problem for our city. Last year, your grandfather retires from his work. He felt bored and upset for a few months. He decided to change his lifestyle and is now a happy man. Write an article to a local newspaper about your grandfather’s changes. Based on his experience, suggest possible ways to cope with the aging problem in Hong Kong.
Add colors to the lives of the grey hair
According to the statistics, there is one elderly person aged above 65 in 7 people in Hong Kong. This phenomenon once again verified the seriousness of the aging problem in Hong Kong. In order to maintain the stability of the community, Hong Kong government has formulated some policies such as old age allowance and Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme. However, it is not enough to help the aged-ones with financial problems. What counts more is to take care of them emotionally.
Last year, my grandpa retired. He worked as a janitor before and had a very regular routine. No wonder he would feel bored and upset for a few months after his retirement as he found his life empty. He used to wake up at 6am and start his day. However, after retirement, he still woke up at 6am but he had nothing to do at all. He did not need to go to school. He did not need to prepare the chairs for the school assemblies. He did not need to clean the classrooms. ‘I was kind of lost that time. I didn’t know how to spend my day,’ said grandpa.
Grandpa’s words saddened me. Although I was so upset and so eager to help my dearest grandpa, I was totally helpless. I did not know where to start. Then, the miracle happened silently. Just on a normal Friday, grandpa went to the park for a walk in the morning. But what was so unusual was that grandpa went back home later than before but with a really big smile and seemed delighted and recharged. He told me that he had met a social worker from a community centre near our home. The social worker brought him to the centre to meet other elderly people. Grandpa soon made so many new friends and had fun with them. At last, the social worker invited him to join the centre whenever he is free as the centre will hold so many activities for the seniors. Now, he is an active member of the centre. His lifestyle has changed totally into a more connected and energetic one. He even went on a short trip with other members of the centre. Grandpa is much happier than before. Most surprisingly, he even has a busier schedule than I do. Yes. I witnessed a miracle. The power of being connected makes him a brighter and better man even before his retirement.
In fact, similar situations can be applied to different retired people. It is not uncommon to see tragedies of the elderly suicide hog the headlines. The causes are that they found life hopeless and also boring. Moreover, some of them believed that they are the burden of society and they are useless which then drive them to end their lives.
To prevent the tragedies from happening, different parties should join hands together to add colors to lives of these aged-people.
One way is to make the elderly feel connected to the community. In order to achieve this, the government can fund the community centers in each district for organizing more activities for the elderly. These kinds of community centers can group the old folks in the district together and let them form a strong social circle. By this, the elderly can feel more connected and their lives more meaningful. Not only gathering the senior citizens together, but the centers can also organize the activities which are beneficial to them, for example, going for a hike and doing voluntary works.
Besides, everyone in society should make the first move to show our care and love to this aged-group. Take my grandpa’s case as an example. If the social worker did not reach and invite my grandpa to the community centre, my grandpa’s retired life would not be so happy. Only when we show our love and care to our seniors can they find themselves valuable. Once they find their worthy value, they will not end their lives easily. We do not know whether the old people need help but it is never a bad thing to ask and take care of an elderly person when you see him sitting in the park bench and doing nothing. A simple ‘how are you’ and a little talk may help. Then, why should not we do so?
The grey-hair have contributed to our society so much. Hong Kong would not be this prosperous without their hard work. Thus, in their twilight lives, we must reward them. Let us make the lives of the elderly people more colourful and brighter by taking these measures.
6E 2015-16
Ariaanne Fung Hiu Tung