Wong Tai Sin Elderly Centre cares for emotional well-being of senior citizens
Publish Date: 18-May-2018
The Coroners’ Report published in 2017, showed that seniors committed the highest number of suicides among all age groups in Hong Kong. Out of a total of 937 suicide cases, 366 victims were over the age of sixty. This phenomenon reveals the dire need to care for the mental well-being of senior citizens. Between January and March 2018, HKSKH Wong Tai Sin District Elderly Community Centre conducted survey on the causes of emotional distress and trained volunteers to lend support to seniors in need. These activities were part of a community event under the Positive Life Elderly Suicide Prevention Project, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant. Results of the survey reveal that the greatest cause for anxiety for the elderly is health, followed by their worries over their children and family members. Lack of socialization and loneliness are also main causes for distress. Sixty per cent of the surveyed said talking to them would bring them comfort, and a half of the surveyed chose having company as the best cure for loneliness.
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