Feelings of loneliness among elderly people who have children not living in Hong Kong were common, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS). A total of 63 per cent were at high risk of social isolation, while close to 50 per cent showed signs of depression.

The figures were an improvement from last year, when almost 80 per cent were found to be at high risk of social isolation, and nearly 70 per cent showed signs of depression. But the HKCS said it still remained crucial to pay attention to their mental states.

Hong Kong experienced an emigration wave following strict Covid-19 restrictions and the enactment of a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020. While there are no official figures on permanent departures, the Education Bureau has reported an uptick in vacancies at schools, and there was a marked increase in withdrawals from the city’s compulsory pensions scheme, the Mandatory Provident Fund.

The labour force also shrunk by around 4 per cent between 2019 and last year, figures from the Census and Statistics Department showed. Notably, the number of people in the workforce aged between 25 and 39 fell by 10 per cent since 2019.

‘Security and stability’

The HKCS interviewed 135 seniors aged 55 and above with emigrant children between last August and May. About one quarter of them said there had been a shift in the focus of their life since their children had left, which affected their emotional well-being and lifestyle.

“Some elders expressed concerns about not having anyone to rely on, with even close friends having emigrated. Others mentioned the absence of companionship during tea time or volunteer work and the longing for their grandchildren,” the HKCS wrote.

Those in more frequent contact with their children who were overseas were happier, the organisation found. But it added that around half struggled to use smartphones or did not have a smartphone.

Regarding the wave of departures, Chief Executive John Lee said last July that people were constantly arriving in and leaving Hong Kong. But he said he believed the “worst was already over,” adding that figures from various talent schemes showed “large numbers of people” people were moving to Hong Kong.

Asked in January whether he was worried about more people emigrating after city passed a new security law, Lee said people tended to go to places that were secure and stable.

“Hong Kong has security and stability… I believe this an important factor for people coming to Hong Kong,” he said.

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