Ageing in place allows older adults to maintain their independence and wellbeing in the comfort of their own homes. However, for more vulnerable individuals and their caregivers, achieving this ideal can often be challenging as they need additional support to address their unique needs.

In response, The D. H. Chen Foundation, in collaboration with Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Tseung Kwan O Aged Care Complex, initiated the Weaving of Wellness – Seniors Mutual Help Development Project (WOW) in 2019. The project encourages community-driven support through an innovative time banking system, enabling older adults to exchange skills and services using time as currency. It also breaks the traditional distinction between service providers and users, introducing a concept of “prosumer” (producer and consumer). This eldercare model provides an innovative example of how communities can unite to promote sustainable ageing in place in Hong Kong. By supporting self-help and mutual care, WOW helps enhance participants’ psychosocial wellbeing as the older adults share their talents and knowledge, and support each other.

To further extend the impact and learnings of WOW, the Foundation launched 千日。在家——有個伴 in 2021, introducing a localised, human-centric case management model of ageing in place through incentivising volunteering among caregiving families and older adults. The programme addresses an array of specific needs of vulnerable older adults, offering targeted community-based support to strengthen the fundamentals for a more sustainable and inclusive network.

The culmination of the strengths and experiences of WOW and 千日。在家——有個伴 is a holistic programme titled 織福——有伴. This initiative is designed to bridge service gaps, empower communities, and promote sustainable ageing in place to a wider audience. Volunteers are affectionately called Buddies in the Neighbourhood (老友伴) and Buddies of Wisdom (智囊伴). They provide essential services and share valuable knowledge on caregiving, including dementia care, companionship, and wellness practices. It recognises that everyone has the capacity to give and take, regardless of age, physical condition, or social status. Even frail elderly individuals possess unique strengths—such as life experience, wisdom, and personal skills—that can be shared to support others.

織福——有伴 has since created a thriving network of older adults, caregivers, and volunteers all guided by the spirit of mutual empowerment. Today, the network includes over 1,000 members across 75 neighbourhoods in the Tseung Kwan O district. Together, they have delivered 24,934 services, earning 494,620 time credits, equivalent to 8,244 hours of care and support.

Ageing in place becomes not only possible but profoundly enriching, nurturing overall wellbeing and independence. By supporting community connection and mutual care, the Foundation is making significant strides towards its mission of cultivating a more compassionate society for all.