How retirement syndrome is hurting Hong Kong’s elderly

Playground Association spokesman warns that not doing much may affect mental health

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Elderly people appear to prefer spending more time resting than going out. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 5:00pm, 24 Oct 2016Updated: 8:34am, 25 Oct 2016

“Resting and sitting” turns out to be the favourite pastime of more than 60 per cent of Hong Kong retirees, according to a survey, as social workers warn that the habit could put their mental health at risk.

The Hong Kong Playground Association, which polled 2,142 retirees between March 1 and October 15, said many might be suffering from what has been called retirement syndrome after their brief “honeymoon period” as they find they have nothing to do.

More than 60 per cent of interviewees said they were in good physical shape and half noted they had more than eight hours of free time per day.

When asked to choose no more than three major activities, 61 per cent opted for “resting and sitting”. Spending time with family members came next with 60 per cent, while 46 per cent said they would engage in quiet leisure activities, such as reading.

“The retirees might at first enjoy spending most of their time resting, but if that goes on for one or two years it would inevitably affect their mental health,” said Wan Lap-man, deputy head of corporate communications at the Playground Association.

“Sitting for eight hours is a very tough thing to do and it would be much more meaningful if they could spend their time [otherwise],” he said.

Wan called on the government and community to provide more opportunities for seniors as the population ages rapidly.