Aging redefined

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) is a British film about seven unrelated pensioners who move to a retirement hotel in India that promises to make their final years truly golden. When they arrive, it becomes clear that the crumbling, dusty hotel is not quite as glamorous as it looked online. However, all of them choose to stay. The challenges they encounter in their new home make some of them reassess their outlook on life and people. And while some resist change, all of them learn something new about life, about aging and about their own resilience.

As life expectancy increases, the definition of aging changes. According to the population projections published by the Census and Statistics Department, the number of people in Hong Kong aged 65 and above is estimated to rise from 15% of the population in 2015, to 29% in 2036. Although the state imposes a mandatory retirement age of 65, senior workers continue to contribute to society. And, as the average life expectancy in Hong Kong is now more than 81, someone who retires at 65 has around 20 years of free time ahead of them! 

Some countries are tackling the issue of aging populations with new concepts like “creative aging” – helping the elderly gain self-confidence and a positive outlook by giving them access to art activities like painting, music, drama and dance, and showing them the pleasures that can be gained from being active and creative. Many may wonder what impact may be brought to the life of the elderly when they come across with art; at the same time, would young people change their perspective in imagining their aging life when art is involved? In discussion with the elderly on the creation, there is no esoteric theory to discuss, but you can feel the subtle transformation of art healing their hearts.

As The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel shows us, aging doesn’t have to be a sad process. We can all lead happy, productive, meaningful lives, no matter how old we are – and we are never too old to chase our dreams! Let’s help the elderly among us face changes positively, and with curious open minds.