Disco and dogs: Helping Hong Kong's elderly out of post-covid isolation

With Hong Kong forecast by the UN to become the world's oldest city by 2050, catering to the needs of elderly citizens is a major concern.

The pandemic, the departure of younger family members due to emigration, and a low city-wide birth rate have all made that task more challenging.

A number of schemes have been launched specifically to help those in their golden years avoid isolation. "Noon-D" is a pilot dance programme for the over 50's, whilst "Dr Dog" takes therapy dogs into elderly care centres.

Last month, the Hong Kong government announced one-off cash payments to new parents for each baby born, in an effort to improve the city's long-term demographic prospects.