Hing - (卿)

Care Home Resident

Helping Hand Hong Kong Bank Foundation Lok Fu Care Home

"I am 107 years old and I’m the oldest resident at the Lok Fu Helping Hand Care Home. I came to Hong Kong from Dongguan in the 1940s, after the war. My family were farmers and during the war, life was very tough. There was very little to eat. I am illiterate as I never really had the chance to go to school. I met my husband through a matchmaker - that’s how we did it back in those days. He found a job in Hong Kong so I followed him. I like it much better here in Hong Kong. My dear husband died over 30 years ago, but I am well surrounded by my daughters, grandchildren and great grandson! They come to visit me every week.

 

When we first moved to Hong Kong, my husband got a little sampan. I would make congee and dessert, which he would sell on the waters to the fishermen. I would also be busy looking after my two daughters. Years later, I started to work at a noodle shop and helped to package dry noodles for sale. My eldest daughter started working when she was just 12 years old - first making watch straps and then later at a garment factory. But even my daughter is now 78 years old!

 

I have always enjoyed chit chatting with people in my community, and I don’t hold grudges. My life has been pretty stable, no big ups and downs. I guess I can be a bit impatient sometimes; I like to get things done quickly and I don’t really like to wait for people! For a few decades, I would go for my morning hikes every day at 5am. It was my daily routine and kept me fit. I like it here at the care home and I’m pretty comfortable. I’ve been with the Helping Hand care homes for over 33 years. They look after us really well, and I enjoy all the activities and playing games with my peers. A few years ago, when I was 100 years old, I was the Boccia champion at the care home!”

Storytelling by Hong Kong Shifts