Loneliness and anxiety lead to rising suicide rate among elderly, says expert
Local | 17 Mar 2024 7:19 pm
The suicide rate of the elderly has increased in recent years due to a lack of support as well as overwhelming loneliness and anxiety.
Speaking in a radio program on Sunday, the director of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Paul Yip Siu-fai, said the elderly have been experiencing loneliness and anxiety under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the migration of family members.
It has prompted an upward trend in elderly suicide, especially for those living alone, according to Yip.
Yip added that in addition to avoiding making the seniors feel abandoned, they should also be encouraged to proactively ask for help and participate in community activities.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention has rolled out the "Me in a New Day" scheme to arrange for youngsters to visit the elderly and learn more about their experiences and life journeys.
Yip said the elderly could feel more respect, support, and care through the event, and the younger would be more concerned about the seniors and achieve inter-generational inclusion.
