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Wednesday

26-02-2025 Vol 19

Lunar New Year: Family, Food and Color as Millions Celebrate the Snake’s Year

Hong Kong’s older face a lonely new year as children emigratePublished at. 08:00 Greenwich average time

Koey Lee and Joyce Lee
BBC Chinese, in Hong Kong

When families gather for holiday parties, many older Hong Kings are facing a quieter festival alone.

“I used to spend days preparing for the new annual party,” said Ah Chu, 78. The empty chair at her dinner table is a common sight throughout the city, where thousands of older parents have been left in a migration wave.

Three years ago, Ah Chus moved to the UK and changed what was once a busy family collection. “Now there is no sense in buying festive decorations or preparing detailed meals,” she said.

The political turbulence following protests and the National Security Act has reshaped Hong Kong’s demographic landscape. Government data reveals a surprising 60% increase in the elderly living alone in the last decade, with over 188,000 seniors now in lonely households.

Local NGOs report that 80% of these “left behind the elderly” face severe social insulation, with seven out of ten showing signs of depression. Community centers have stepped in to help, organize group activities such as Hotpot dinners.

“Having others around makes the holidays bearable,” said Mrs. Lee (73), who found comfort in these gatherings after his daughter’s departure. “We are all learning to cope with this new normal.”

Ah Chu looks at the camera with a smile on her faceImage source, BBC Chinese
Caption,

Ah Chus daughter moved to Britain three years ago

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