The pandemic has left many of us feeling disconnected in a time of social distancing. While crucial to limiting the spread of COVID-19, reducing social activities may lead to a silent spread of loneliness, especially among the elderly living alone. Without face-to-face gatherings, the elderly lack the necessary support from family and friends and struggle with stress or worrying by themselves.

In early February, the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) provided humanitarian services in various districts. Besides distributing infection control items, our staff and volunteer had dialogues with over 800 community members to express our care and support to the community and the vulnerable groups. In Yau Ma Tei, a granny, who is at the age of over 70 and living alone, said that she has not seen friends in person due to social gathering restrictions for a long time. She hesitated to contact her friends and family members over the phone to avoid disturbing others. Spending most of the time being alone at home, she got a greater sense of loneliness and felt sad. She was grateful to the volunteers of the HKRC for the chat about her needs and recent situation.

Social network of the elderly living alone tends to shrink. Amid the prolonged pandemic, the general public may not be aware that some of them has been hiding their feelings and emotional needs, or even suffering from anxiety that keep them from sleeping.

Neighbourhood support is the key element for the well-being of the elderly living alone. To encourage mutual help and spread love in community, let’s proactively show our care and support to the elderly. Try to get to know them better by small actions, such as asking them about their meals or last night sleeping in cold weather. Small talk can make big difference to uncover their needs and concerns.