Hong Kong is currently experiencing multiple demographic changes. In addition to an aging population, solo living has been on the rise over the past two decades. There are approximately 589,000 single-person households, accounting for more than 21% of all households in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the proportion of households without marriage or children is increasing, with the city’s fertility rate of 0.8 ranking among the lowest globally. With out-migration contributing to a growing population of elderly residents, many individuals are likely to “live solo” in the future.

Except those who aspire to an independent life, some people who, due to social factors such as difficulties in socializing, employment transitions, or family changes, find themselves involuntarily living alone as they become separated from others in their life journey. For middle-aged and elderly individuals, especially those in low-income groups, living solo presents challenges in terms of physical and mental health, social connections, finances, living arrangements, and uncertainties about their future.

As of today, the mainstream society has not thoroughly understood the causes and consequences of “the solo-ization process”. At the same time, solo dwellers may be unwilling to confide in others, or may internalize or individualize their problems in life, leading to an underestimation of their needs by the outside world.

This seminar invites scholars and practitioners to share their diverse experiences in serving solo dwellers. The aim is to raise awareness about their circumstances and collectively explore the factors that lead individuals towards the path of living alone, and discuss the challenges they are facing. We aim to deliberate on future social agendas, ultimately striving towards a society where individuals, regardless of living alone or not, regardless of household type, can lead fulfilling lives.

The seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.

Quota: 50
Date: 26th November,2024(Tuesday)
Time: 10:00–12:00
Venue: Room 202, Duke of Windsor Social Services Building,15 Hennessey Road, Hong Kong
Audience: Colleagues of agency members

Seminar speakers and themes

Speakers’ sharing

• Demographic changes in Hong Kong and its implication: childless families, “sandwich families”, and bottlenecks of digital use among the elderly
  • Dr. Gigi LAM Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University
• Grassroots solo dwellers: their situation and support service
  • Ms. Wing Shan POON Project Team Leader, Group and Community Work Unit, H.K.S.K.H. Lady MacLehose Centre Integrated Community Service Centre
  • Mr. Ricky HO Research and Development Supervisor, Christian Concern for the Homeless Association
  • Mr. Louis HO Hostel Manager, Sunrise House, the Salvation Army
  • Ms. Ling Ling TSOI Centre In-Charge, Integrated Services Team for Street Sleepers (Kowloon & New Territories), The Salvation Army
• Gender and age dimensions of ‘solo-ization’
  • Mr. Benny LEUNG Project Manager, Jockey Club Men’s Space, The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong
  • Ms. Venus CHAN Senior Manager, Women and Family Enhancement Centre, Hong Kong
  • Family Welfare Society
  • Ms. Annie SHUM Social Worker, Community Helper – Support for Elders with Emigrant Family, Hong Kong Christian Service

Please register on or before 15th November, 2024 (Friday). We will send a confirmation email on or before 20th November, 2024 (Wednesday). For enquiries, please contact our Officer (Policy Research and Advocacy) Mr. Ronald Yick via [email protected] or at 2864-2906. Thank you!