Lunar New Year: Family, food and colour as millions celebrate Year of the Snake

Koey Lee and Joyce Lee
BBC Chinese, in Hong Kong

As families gather for holiday celebrations, many elderly Hong Kongers face a quieter festival alone.

“I used to spend days preparing for the New Year feast,” said Ah Chu, 78. The empty chair at her dinner table is a common sight across the city, where thousands of elderly parents have been left behind in a wave of migration.

Three years ago, Ah Chu’s daughter moved to Britain, changing what was once a busy family gathering. “Now, there’s no point in buying festive decorations or preparing elaborate meals,” she said.

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

Local NGOs report that 80% of these “left-behind elderly” face severe social isolation, with seven in ten showing signs of depression. Community centres have stepped in to help, organising group activities like hotpot dinners.

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

Image source, BBC Chinese