Promoting Later Life Meaningful Engagement - A case study of tech-assisted social enterprise in Hong Kong

Sep 29, 2026

Meaningful engagement—participation in enjoyable, individually tailored activities—is a critical driver of healthy, fulfilling later life for older adults, yet evidence on how to effectively cultivate it remains limited. This study examines Happy Friend, a Hong Kong social enterprise project engaging older adults through social and productive activities. Data from founder interviews, staff focus groups, and older participant interviews were analyzed via thematic analysis. Results propose a three-tier model plus co-production, low-cost tech support, and time-credit enablers to sustain purpose and contribution.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Objectives

Research Design and Methods

Results

Three-tier stepped-up engagement model

Key enablers

Discussion and Implications

728 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2477 PROMOTING LATER LIFE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF TECH-ASSISTED SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN HONG KONG Shiyu Lu, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (People’s Republic) Background and Objectives: Meaningful engagement, defined as participation in enjoyable activities tailored to individual interests and abilities, is a critical factor in promoting a healthy and fulfilling later life for older adults. However, there is limited understanding of how to effectively foster such engagement in this population. Research Design and Methods: This study explores the innovative features of Happy Friend, a social enterprise project that engages older adults in diverse social and productive activities. Data were collected through one in-depth interview with the founder, two focus group interviews with staff, and six interviews with older adult participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview content. Results: The study identified a three-tiered stepped-up model for promoting meaningful engagement: 1) Joyful Community-Based Group Activities to strengthen social connections; 2) Role Transition and Empowerment, encouraging older adults to take on roles such as mentors to foster a sense of purpose; and 3) Self-Actualization and Societal Contribution, leveraging the skills of older adults who excel in leisure activities to combat ageism through collaborative partnerships. Additionally, key enablers of this model were identified, including co-production mechanisms, a low-cost technology-assisted platform to enhance autonomy for both providers and recipients, and a time-credit-based system to recognize talents and encourage sustained engagement. Discussion and Implications: These findings highlight the potential of a structured, strengths-based approach to fostering meaningful engagement in later life, offering practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and communities aiming to enhance the well-being of older adults.

FAQs

What is the core problem this case study addresses?

It examines how to effectively foster meaningful engagement among older adults, where understanding of effective strategies is currently limited.

How was the Happy Friend social enterprise studied?

The study used one in-depth interview with the founder, two focus group interviews with staff, and six interviews with older adult participants, followed by thematic analysis.

What are the three tiers of the engagement model proposed in the findings?

The model includes joyful community-based group activities, role transition and empowerment, and self-actualization with societal contribution through collaborative partnerships.

What key enablers support the proposed model?

The findings highlight co-production mechanisms, a low-cost technology-assisted platform to enhance autonomy, and a time-credit system that recognizes talents and encourages sustained engagement.

Sep 29, 2026

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