‘They only eat to sustain life’: how does isolation shape Hong Kong’s elderly diets?

In the second of a five-part Health Matters wellness series on ageing in Hong Kong, Lo Hoi-ying examines rising social isolation among the elderly, its…

In the second of a five-part Health Matters wellness series on ageing in Hong Kong, Lo Hoi-ying examines rising social isolation among the elderly, its serious health risks and how activities and community support are helping seniors stay socially engaged.

For Lee Chor-kwan, an 89-year-old living alone in Hong Kong, mealtimes are often lonely.

But the highlight of his day is lunchtime, when he visits an elderly care home to eat with his 86-year-old wife, whom he met through an arranged marriage more than 60 years ago.

“I visit her every day and wheel her out for a stroll in the sun,” he said, adding that both of them celebrated their diamond anniversary over burgers last week.

Lee, who wears dentures, said he sometimes bought small treats to share with his wife when they got tired of meals served in the home, although they rarely ate out because they found the food served at restaurants too greasy.

For the meals he ate alone, Lee said he cooked them “as simply as possible”.

“I wake up every day at 4am to cook myself oatmeal for breakfast,” he said. “I usually cook instant noodles for dinner, or eat char siu buns.”

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‘They only eat to sustain life’: how does isolation shape Hong Kong’s elderly diets?

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