There is a rising concern for the ageing population in Hong Kong. According to the Census and Statistics Department, it is estimated that around one in three persons will be aged 65 or above in 30 years’ time, up from one in seven currently. Ways to empower this growing ageing population to achieve a happy elder life has become a significant issue to be addressed.  
The explosive growth of technology has changed the way of our living, communication and social networking. Digital exclusion is becoming a more and more detrimental form of social exclusion for the older generation. It is critical that the younger generation understands the significance of engaging the seniors in the online world. In fact, numerous positive effects of playing online games have been underlined by several researches. For example, studies have demonstrated improvements in cognitive capacities and health conditions of active senior online game participants. Imagine being able to bring your parents or grannies into the virtual world, a paradise where they can experience wonder and fun; an antidote against depression.



Apart from the mental health benefits, online games also offer an engaging platform for the seniors to reconnect with the younger generations. Last month, our Society recruited a group of enthusiastic youth volunteers to promote active aging, by helping the seniors master new technology through online games. Our volunteers are amazed by how receptive the seniors are to the online games. The senior participants expressed keen interests in learning new online games with lots of fun and giggles at the workshop.


A survey was conducted with the seniors after the workshop to examine their smart phone usage and how it affects intergenerational family relationship. Survey results show that 71% of seniors report they frequently access facebook and 89% use whatsapp to interact with the younger family members on a daily basis. However, only 18% of them report they play online games with the youth at home. Results also show that two-third of them agree that playing online games with the youth can improve inter-generation relationships.

Online game playing has inevitably provided a light-weighted and relaxed environment to promote intergenerational family connection. Given the many benefits of engaging elderlies in online games, our Society aims to organize more structured online game workshops for the seniors in the future.

Playing online games is an ideal way for the older generations to stay smart and sharp, and allows them to get connected with their children or grandchildren. Happiness is a matter of choice. It's never too young or too old to learn.