At present, the population of Hong Kong is 7.498 million. In 2023, 21% (1.57 million) of the population will be aged 65 or above, and it is projected that in 2046, 36% (2.74 million) of the population will be aged 65 or above. According to the 2021 Population Census conducted by the Census and Statistics Department, there will be a total of 188,569 households of singleton elders and 147,091 households of doubly-elderly persons. According to Oxfam Hong Kong's Report on Poverty in Hong Kong 2023, the proportion of poor people aged 65 or above is the highest at 39.8%.
A survey has found that nearly 60% of the elderly in poverty can only have one to two meals a day, and their diet is not balanced, lacking in protein, fruits and vegetables. These elderly people not only suffer from hunger, but also malnutrition and health problems.
Uncle CHEUNG is now 60 years old and lives alone. Recently, he has been dismissed by his employer and has not received any government subsidy, so he is now relying on his savings to meet his living expenses. He relies on his savings to meet his living expenses. Therefore, in order to save money, he eats one to two meals a day and is often hungry.
"I am 60 years old and live in a public housing estate. I am an elderly person living alone and have no relatives or friends to rely on. I used to work as a chef in a restaurant, but I was affected by the epidemic and had to work there. I didn't get any government subsidy because I thought I could still do something. But it's hard to find a job, so I have to rely on my own savings to make ends meet, and I'm running out of savings.
In order to save money, I only have one or two meals a day, and sometimes I only have white bread to fill my stomach. I seldom eat rice, meat or vegetables because they are too expensive. I feel hungry all the time, but there is nothing I can do about it. I know it is not good for my health, but I have no choice.
It was not until I met a staff member of Sunyu that he told me about a short-term food assistance service program implemented by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to provide basic food assistance to individuals or families who have difficulties in coping with daily food expenditure. He said that the service is applicable to the unemployed or underemployed, low-income earners, new arrivals, street sleepers and individuals or families with immediate financial difficulties due to sudden changes. He said that the service can provide food assistance, including basic food such as rice, noodles, oil, canned food and dried food, for a period of not more than eight weeks at a time.
At that time, after I heard what she said, I was very touched, but I was a bit embarrassed. I felt that I should not be favored by others and I didn't want to let them know my difficulties. However, the staff of Sunyu was very patient and advised me that this service is not a favor, but a kind of help and support. He said that the purpose of the service is to help those in need to overcome their difficulties and to have the opportunity to improve their own lives. He said the service is completely free and confidential, and will not cause any burden or pressure to the beneficiaries.
He also said that he would introduce me to other resources and services, such as employment counseling, social activities, etc., so that I could regain my confidence and hope. He also told me that if I have any problems or difficulties, I can contact them anytime and they will try their best to help me.
My life has changed a lot since I successfully applied for food assistance. I no longer have to worry about my food expenses and I no longer have to suffer from hunger. I can have three meals a day. I feel much better physically and mentally, and I have more energy and vitality. I started to look for a job that suits me and hope to reintegrate into the society. I would like to thank the staff of Sunyu for their help and support, which has helped me to rediscover the meaning and value of my life."
If you or your elderly friends have any problems in their daily lives, please feel free to contact us at Sunyu, we are happy to act as a support for the elderly. For details of SWD's short-term food assistance service, please click the link below:
You are welcome to leave your comments about Sunyu Academy. Whether you have any questions about the content of this article, want to know more about home services that are relevant to you, or want to give your support and encouragement to Sunyu Academy, as well as your passion to be the sunshine of Sunyu Academy, please do not hesitate to leave a message! We will get back to you as soon as possible within working days, thank you!
