Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre organised “RetirEnterainment”, a programme training 50+ retirees to serve the community as volunteers. It was granted “The 5th Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Community Services Award” by Lions Clubs International District 303 - Hong Kong & Macao, China.

Many retirees and elderly were greatly affected by the pandemic during the past few years. They preferred staying home and were reluctant to go out for social gatherings. This tragic change made them lonely and nervous, and in worst cases, led to deterioration in physical and mental health. Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre organised “RetirEnterainment” to cope with this situation. By providing trainings to the young olds, the programme reconnected 50+ to the society, as volunteers who served with their skills and experience in different aspects.

In order to encourage 50+ to develop their potentials, the programme provided learning opportunity on various topics and enabled the elderly to play a new role. They became makeup artists, oriental dresses tailors, eco-cultural docents, skillful Mölkky trainers, etc. They were all well-equipped with the new skillset to serve the community, including elderly, teenagers and students. The programme also fostered cross-generation integration and harmonious relations between the young and the old. 

“RetirEnterainment” was a meaningful scheme for 50+ retirees to acquire new skills, which helped them engage in the community and give back to the society. In addition, not only did it incorporate modern and vintage culture, and cultivate cross-generation harmony, but also served as cultural inheritance. Thanks to all the cooperating partners and organisations, they contributed to a fruitful programme and helped a lot of young olds to enjoy retirement.