Hong Kong, 20 July, 2013 – Personally, we might not think that we have a lot in common with the elderly: We don’t share the same energy level. What could we possibly do at an elderly home that would be fun? How about talking to them? People don’t stop being interesting just because they’re old. A long life means many great stories to tell: all we have to do is listen.
Valuing people of all ages in our community is crucial, from the very young to the very old. However, the elderly who are confined to nursing homes and need physical assistance often feel isolated and excluded. RYTHM Foundation firmly believes that the elderly play a vital role in the shaping of the community and the Foundation empathises with their needs and the unique challenges they face in everyday life.
To exemplify this, sixteen QNET Hong Kong volunteers with their family members visited a total of twenty-three households of elderlies, who live alone in these government-subsidized houses mostly because their children have left them to take care of their own families, among other reasons. The message about taking time to listen to the stories of “old folks” was just as valuable for the not-quite-as-old-folks. To make the visit more memorable, QI HK staff brought cheer to the old folks with goodie bags filled with biscuits, oats, tea bags and other useful daily things.
The goal of the activity was to raise awareness about the importance of the elderly in our society. Residents were entertained by the volunteers through worthwhile chit-chats and warmed beyond words by their interest and care. It was truly a day with cherished moments and good memories for everyone involved.
