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Article

Revisiting Social Participation in Hong Kong Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by
Stephen Cheong Yu Chan
1,*,
Michael Ka Wai Lai
2 and
Chi Chung Wong
1
1
Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University, Hong Kong, China
2
Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(12), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14120729
Submission received: 8 October 2025 / Revised: 3 December 2025 / Accepted: 15 December 2025 / Published: 18 December 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Aging Across the Life Course)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Social participation is vital for older adults’ well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily activities, but many adapted using SOC (Selection, Optimization, and Compensation) strategies. This study examines how older adults in Hong Kong navigated adversity through strategic decision-making. Twenty-five participants underwent in-depth interviews, with thematic analysis identifying key SOC-related themes: loss-based selection (reducing physical interactions, shifting engagement modes, pursuing solo activities), elective selection (volunteering, exercise, online learning), optimization (adjusting participation methods and timing, taking preventive measures), and compensation (modifying or substituting activities, supporting physical functions). Despite restrictions, older adults actively sought ways to remain socially engaged. Our findings highlight the role of SOC strategies in sustaining participation and enable us to propose a framework for adaptive changes to enhance future well-being. This research deepens discussions on social participation, offering practical insights for fostering resilience among older adults in challenging conditions.

1. Introduction

The COVID-19 disease, which first emerged in 2020, has been identified as a global risk that severely affects populations worldwide. Various public health measures, such as quarantine and social distancing, were launched to mitigate infection spread and flatten the pandemic curve (Hartley and Perencevich 2020). However, the over-focus on anti-pandemic measures (including social distancing regulations) raised concerns about their paradoxical impacts on increasing the social vulnerability of older adults (Mesa Vieira et al. 2020). Plenty of research has shown that the significant decrease in social participation during the pandemic may aggravate the negative impact on older adults’ mental health, especially when they are limited in engaging in social activities (Cheung 2025). Therefore, maintaining social participation in different ways and levels is essential to encourage social interaction and daily mobility, thus supporting the health and well-being of older adults during the pandemic (Cheung 2025; Jiang and Jiang 2023).
Various studies show that older adults have unique coping strategies against the pandemic (Beckman and Gustavsson 2025; S.-M. Chan et al. 2022; Fuller and Huseth-Zosel 2021). However, there is an inadequate understanding of how Chinese older adults identify coping strategies towards risks, especially during the pandemic; the theoretical backup of these coping strategies is also under-studied. At the same time, a clear investigation on the coping strategies adopted by the older adults would benefit not just the NGOs but also the government to facilitate better social participation strategies for resilience building and active ageing against potential risks in the future. Upon this background, there are two main purposes in this study. First, this study aims to explore the applicability of the Selection, Optimization with Compensation (SOC) model in the context of external adversity. Second, we intend to understand whether there is any transformation in the form of social participation of Hong Kong older adults in adaptation to COVID-19 by using the SOC model. The research question of this proposed research is: What specific strategies and tactics (SOC model) have they been using to achieve social participation? By analysing these strategies, our study attempts to identify more targeted interventions that can enhance social participation and provide insightful policy measures for the government. This is crucial to enhance older adults’ quality of life whenever there are future risks.
  • Social Participation of Older Adults During the Pandemic
Social participation has been regarded as one of the crucial components in different ageing paradigms (Aroogh and Shahboulaghi 2020). One of the most frequently adopted conceptualizations defines social participation as “a person’s involvement in activities that provide interaction with others in society or the community” (Levasseur et al. 2010). Social participation is especially significant to older adults in satisfying their diverse needs (Au et al. 2017; S. Chan et al. 2019). Nevertheless, the anti-pandemic measures heavily disrupted the regular social participation of older adults (Mesa Vieira et al. 2020), which undermined their mental and psychological well-being (Cheung 2025; N. G. Choi et al. 2022). A notable decrease in social activities and social interaction with friends has been revealed (Philpot et al. 2021). They were restricted from engaging in daily activities such as physical, social, and religious activities. Therefore, they may feel disconnected from their children and friends and feel imprisoned (Morgan et al. 2024).
One must point out that older adults were also making active decisions to maintain social participation and cope with the challenges during the pandemic positively. Emerging clues suggest that older adults may possess comparable (Riehm et al. 2021) or even superior levels of resilience and coping mechanisms compared to younger adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some studies show that older adults have unique coping strategies against the pandemic (Beckman and Gustavsson 2025; S.-M. Chan et al. 2022; Fuller and Huseth-Zosel 2021). Their life experiences have facilitated them to actively handle different life crises and enhanced their resilience in dealing with the adversities of COVID-19 (Zhuang and Wong 2023). For instance, the findings by Fuller and Huseth-Zosel (2021) indicated that the majority of older adults demonstrated great confidence in their coping and frequently engaged in proactive strategies like staying busy and maintaining routine activities, which, according to participants’ discourses, helped sustain their perceptions of life-meaning and purpose.
Moreover, scholars argued that advancements in communication technology, such as social media and video conferencing tools, could provide a new way of interaction alternative to physical contact, enabling the maintenance of social connections among people under quarantine (Zhao et al. 2022). During the pandemic, most customary social participation shifted to virtual forms. Studies found that older adults exhibited great willingness and enthusiasm in using digital devices for social connection (Fuller and Huseth-Zosel 2021). For example, one study conducted in Japan indicated the positive effect of non-face-to-face contact via email and phone calls in enhancing self-rated health during the pandemic (Akaida et al. 2022). While the emotional support provided in traditional face-to-face interactions could be satisfied in virtual interactions, scholars argued that it still falls short in terms of embodied presence and physical contact, as well as the instrumental support exchanged through face-to-face interactions, making it difficult to replace traditional interactions (E. Y. Choi et al. 2022).
  • Impact on Social Participation of Older Adults in the Hong Kong Context
In Hong Kong, the strict anti-pandemic measures implemented for three years (from January 2020 to March 2023) (Census and Statistics Department 2020) focused primarily on preventing older adults from virus exposure and infection risk, as they were identified as the highest-risk group. As a result, older adults shared negative consequences similar to those described above. The compulsory shutdown or restriction of NGO operations significantly reduced opportunities for activity participation and social networking among older adults (Wong et al. 2023). On the other hand, Sit et al. (2022) found that the lack of social support—especially the closure of elderly centres, depleted family support, and absence of community support—led to physical disconnect and was detrimental to their physical and mental health.
While the SOC model emphasizes adaptive strategies for managing resources and goals in older adults, the Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) theory complements this by explaining how emotional regulation and resilience interact with these strategies, particularly under adverse conditions. The SAVI theory suggests that, despite increased vulnerabilities in physiological capacities, older adults can evaluate situations more positively and take adaptive responses to stressful conditions (Charles 2010; Charles and Piazza 2009). Studies generally support the importance of active social participation as a way of coping during the pandemic. For example, older adults maintained physical exercises as much as possible, believing it would help them stay healthy and enhance their well-being (S.-M. Chan et al. 2022; W. Chan et al. 2023).
While current studies focus on coping strategies in detail, two major research gaps are worth further investigation. First, despite articles emphasizing coping strategies, most are generally descriptive or highlight a specific strategy. A comprehensive investigation with theoretical backup is still inadequate. Second, most adopt quantitative methods. The qualitative method, which focuses on the life experiences of participants, remains under-studied and is worthwhile for further investigation. Hence, the adoption of a theoretical backup—the SOC Model—on coping strategies becomes essential in this study.
  • Selection, Optimization with Compensation Model
The SOC model developed by Baltes and Baltes contends that successful ageing, rather than avoiding losses, emphasizes navigating unfavourable declines using remaining capacities and resources (Ouwehand et al. 2007). It provides a general framework for managing changes adaptively to achieve successful ageing via the interplay of three components: selection, optimization, and compensation, in terms of four strategies (Baltes and Baltes 1993).
For selection, as the available resources of older adults may not be sufficient to pursue all desires, it necessitates the choice of goals. Two sub-processes of selection were proposed in the model: elective selection entails choosing from several available pathways, while loss-based selection refers to adapting by reorganizing one’s goal hierarchy or seeking new goals when resources are reduced or previously accessible means become unavailable (Dixon et al. 2013). Optimization refers to assigning and improving the utilization of internal or external resources to attain higher levels of performance in selected goals (Dixon et al. 2013). Finally, compensation is the substitutive process prompted by resource loss or decline in goal-achieving paths, aimed at maintaining a certain level of functioning (Dixon et al. 2013).
The SOC framework assumes that older adults focus on and strive for meaningful goals given limited resources, and they are willing to engage in valued activities using different strategies (Baltes and Lang 1997). In this study, it is particularly useful to adopt the SOC model because it prescribes no definite trajectory of ageing but a flexible process that tolerates heterogeneity stemming from distinct resources and contextual factors (Wilson-Nash et al. 2023). Therefore, it also links with critical social factors such as race and socio-economic status (Rowe and Kahn 2015) and acknowledges the active decision-making process by older adults. Thus, the coping strategies are expected to align with the SOC model to identify how older adults attempt to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Materials and Methods

This paper adopts qualitative methods to identify the impact of COVID-19 on older adults, and the coping strategies adopted during the pandemic. The qualitative data collection method is particularly useful when this study focuses on the experience and attitude of older adults facing the risk of the pandemic (Flick 2015). This study uses the in-depth semi-structured interview that emphasizes the in-depth conversation to explore the attitudes, subjective beliefs, and values of the older adults, allowing them to share their ideas instead of quantification data (Flick 2015). Questions related to their experience of how COVID-19 affected their life, as well as their coping strategies when facing the risks, were asked.
To select the interviewees, purposive sampling was adopted, which is based on the purpose and research questions to the researcher for participant selection (Flick 2015). In this case, older adults who are 65 or above, and stayed in Hong Kong during the pandemic were identified as the major participants. Exclusion criteria included the refusal to participate and the inability to have basic communication. To approach them, we seek help from local NGOs to recruit interested participants, and through social media to spread out to reach others to ensure diversity. A total of 25 older adults were interviewed between March to December 2023, with around an hour for each interview. The basic characteristics of the participants are summarized in Table 1.
  • Analysis
For the data analysis, thematic analysis, which summarizes the common codes and themes, was conducted concerning the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of older adults and how they reacted to the limitations. Six phases of thematic analysis, introduced by Braun and Clarke (2006), were adopted. After the in-depth interviews, all of the recordings will be transcribed into verbatim transcription to ensure authenticity and trustworthiness. The data analysis process took place in NVivo 15. First, on open coding by reading line by line to formulate the initial codes, special focus would be on the strategies that the older adults adopted. Afterwards, all the similar codes were clustered into different themes, based on the SOC model, dividing into selection, optimization, and compensation strategies. Different coding identified in the scripts would be discussed among the researchers, if there are alternatives outside the explanation of the model, to reach a consensus. In this paper, all coded categories are able to fit into the SOC model. The findings were presented through the quotation of the verbatim transcription as evidence to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the themes identified.
To enhance the quality, the research team analyze the themes separately and compare them afterwards to make sure that the themes are consistent and valid, thus enhancing the validity and reliability of the research. If there are disagreements, the research team will discuss with the supplementary of the literature to reach a consensus, our research team ensured its credibility, transferability, and dependability. Member checks will also be adopted for better internal validity (Lincoln and Guba 1985).
For ethical considerations, each interviewee was provided with a project brief and consent form, which indicated the research background, objectives, procedure, and how their personal information would be protected. After the explanation, all interviewees were asked to sign a consent form indicating their acceptance of participation in the interview process to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.

3. Results

3.1. Loss-Based Selection

Loss-based selection was found to be an essential strategy for all participants, and interviewees mentioned three primary approaches to this strategy: (i) Reductions in physical contacts and meetings, (ii) Switching mode of interactions, and (iii) Engagement in static and sole activities.

3.1.1. Reductions in Physical Contacts and Meetings

During the pandemic, many interviewees expressed that they would engage in activities with minimal physical contact. When the Hong Kong government implemented the social distancing measures, many interviewees indicated that they could not maintain physical meetings with friends or relatives, one common example was not being able to have breakfast at Chinese restaurants (one of the most common places for daily gatherings and networking).
Apart from that, some of them attributed this to their own health, they considered themselves old and relatively frail. Their apprehension stemmed from the potential impact on their physical health if they were to venture out and gather. The severity of COVID-19 infection, which could lead to serious illness or even death in this vulnerable group, was highly propagated by the media and news, which weighed heavily on their minds. Protection against infection became their paramount concern, and most interviewees concurred. One participant expressed the following:
‘I reduced my physical contacts with others… because at that time I felt this pandemic was very dangerous, once we got infected, we would definitely die, especially we are getting weak and old now.’
(Interviewee 1)
‘Even going out to eat with friends, many of us were scared (of being infected) because we are now old.’
(Interviewee 6)
Some participants also attributed that reduction strategy to the community level, and even other life problems caused by it. As some participants said:
‘The society is changing (during the pandemic), the first thing is to avoid being infected and spreading the disease to the community. This (reduction of physical contacts) can help the pandemic situation.’
(Interviewee 2)
Their loss-based selection was also influenced by their family contexts. Even if they would like to take risks to engage in outdoor activities, they would rather decide not to hang out physically with others or minimise the chances for physical activities.
‘Because I have a grandchild at home, I don’t want to cause my grandchild to suffer for my own happiness. If he is infected, I think I have the greatest responsibility.’
(Interviewee 15)
‘My family was against it (physical participation), because they thought the COVID-19 pandemic was everywhere. Many of the locations where the activities took place were high-risk; they explained that the physical meetings were not necessary and compulsory.’
(Interviewee 6)

3.1.2. Switching Mode of Interactions

Meanwhile, older adults adopted loss-based selection strategies to maintain their contacts with significant others. During the pandemic, most of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provided minimal and non-contact services to users due to the government’s strict regulations. Consequently, older adults changed their mode of interactions with their service providers or members. For example, some interviewees shared their experience at that time:
‘They called and asked if we have enough masks or other anti-pandemic materials. Sometimes, they would simply mail us the resources.’
(Interviewee 17)
‘At a later stage (of the pandemic situation), we needed to (adapt to) register the activity through Facebook, email or phone call.’
(Interviewee 16)
The mode of interactions was also changed in terms of social support gained and received from others. Using loss-based selection strategies to continue engaging in cherished relationships is very common among all participants. As they were not able to meet them physically, and even if they were capable of using technology to help, some of their friends or relatives were not capable of using it, for instance, the video call or FaceTime call function. Hence, enhancing the use of phone calls became the exclusive choice for them to interact with family members, relatives, and best friends.
‘We cut off many interpersonal contacts because we did not dare to communicate face-to-face with them. We could only rely on phone calls to find out how they are doing.’
(Interviewee 9)
‘We used phone calls, chatted together to know each other’s health status, even in some key festivals, we dared not meet.’
(Interviewee 13)

3.1.3. Engagement in Static and Sole Activities

As a result of the pandemic regulations, many individuals made the conscious decision to stay home for extended periods rather than venture outside. When the pandemic reached its peak severity, fear of infection loomed large, driving people to prioritize safety over social interaction. Consequently, they opted to remain indoors, and these activities were mainly recreational or artistic. Some interviewees shared their experiences:
‘I did calligraphy and Chinese painting at home; I kept myself busy on them.’
(Interviewee 15)
‘Sometimes I read books, I have a lot of novels at home. Reading novels at home could kill a lot of time.’
(Interviewee 20)
‘Without going to the cinemas, I watched more videos or movies on online platforms, including YouTube, Netflix, and Disney Plus. I had more choices now.’
(Interviewee 23)

3.2. Elective Selection

Hong Kong older adults also engaged in relatively high amounts of activities using elective selection. From our findings, three themes were identified: (i) Volunteering, (ii) Physical activities, (iii) Online learning activities and online course participation.

3.2.1. Volunteering

During the pandemic, some interviewees reported an increase in their volunteer work, particularly in efforts related to helping with the pandemic. Amidst the severity of the pandemic, certain organizations helped distribute anti-pandemic materials to those in need. The interviewees decided to volunteer in different stages of work to help others. For example, some interviewees realized that residents in their neighbourhood needed help and decided to provide their service in their own ways during the pandemic.
‘I visited their (those in need) flats and distributed them with anti-pandemic stuff. There was one occasion when I assisted the medical staff with a vaccine injection.’
(Interviewee 2)
‘I participated in more volunteer work during the pandemic. Sometimes I helped them deliver medicine or joined to help the government pack the anti-pandemic materials.’
(Interviewee 6)
Some of them explained that their voluntary participation was related to intrinsic motivation and altruism.
‘I could contribute to my community using my limited abilities. As long as I can help others or myself, I am willing to participate… I have a sense of mission to help them.’
(Interviewee 1)
‘At least they had face masks to wear and rapid antigen test kits to use; these were important for preventive measures, helping them is very meaningful.’
(Interviewee 4)
‘When anti-pandemic supplies were most scarce, my help was most needed.’
(Interviewee 16)

3.2.2. Physical Activities

Nearly all older adults attempted to engage in different types of physical activities as their top priority during the interview. Given that they admitted there was a physical body decline during the pandemic, to maintain their physical body strong and uninfected from viruses and bacteria, they opted for common capable activities including hiking, stretching, jogging, and doing Qigong or Taichi.
‘At least I can keep my body healthy, simply running or jogging a bit, of course, I won’t run as hard as the runners in the competition.’
(Interviewee 10)
‘Going out for a short walk, stretching our body and muscles in a park, and doing Taichi are important; we can’t stop exercising.’
(Interviewee 19)
They would particularly enhance their frequency of participation in physical activities and explore new ways to join different types of physical activities. All of these activities were believed to maintain their health status.
‘I walked from the top of the mountain to another place (supermarket) every day. I treated it as exercise, I walked twice a day.’
(Interviewee 17)
‘I explored different paths to hike, now I know a new way, I know it.’
(Interviewee 18)

3.2.3. Online Learning Activities and Online Course Participation

As for why the older adults choose online learning activities, they believe that the free time during the pandemic provides a learning opportunity. During the pandemic period, different organizations and centres tried to hold different learning online courses, either paid or free. Two factors are related to the choices; one is associated with their personal interests. In general, older adults chose to learn sign language, attend online cooking and smartphone classes, and listen to health talks.
Another factor is to learn some knowledge that keeps up with the times. They expressed that they wanted to learn new things and kept broadening their horizons. This could allow them to get in touch with the physical world and relieve boredom. Examples of participants’ quotes include:
‘I browsed more on the internet, mostly the information related to hiking.’
(Interviewee 2)
‘During the pandemic, I learned how to use my smartphone, how to use apps to take and edit photos, and how to pay online via different platforms. If you don’t learn how to use it, you will never be able to use it.’
(Interviewee 17)
‘I wanted to learn more, I went online and searched the relevant items, and now I know how to download Korean dramas to watch.’
(Interviewee 17)

3.3. Optimization

Optimization requires a greater level of physical resources that are available to many older people. During the pandemic, the resources were reduced, which could have enhanced the difficulty for them to make efforts in social engagement. Yet, our participants demonstrated different optimization strategies in order to maintain and foster their well-being. Key themes emerge as (i) Switching mode of participation, (ii) Switching the occurrence of the participation, and (iii) Taking adequate preventive measures.

3.3.1. Switching Mode of Participation

Facing the limitations caused by cancelling (or reducing) classes mentioned above, joining Zoom classes became a common practice for participating in different activities adopted by most interviewees. When organizations and centres were able to organize courses online, some of the older adults actively joined after a long time of absence from the courses. Most interviewees shared their experiences of using Zoom as an alternative to in-person classes, often with the assistance of NGO staff or volunteers. Zoom became an essential tool to maintain their regular activity schedule. Despite some not viewing it as an ideal alternative, they considered online class mode to be the best way to stay physically distant from others amidst social distancing policies. For example, some interviewees mentioned using Zoom classes to replace the cancelled physical classes:
‘We cannot go to the centre. Therefore, we started to use Zoom. During the pandemic, the staff taught us how to use Zoom……for example, we joined the workshops via Zoom.’
(Interviewee 10)
‘All physical face-to-face classes were suspended, including dancing classes. The only class available is singing, which I participated in using Zoom.’
(Interviewee 25)
Some interviewees expressed their desire to continue or even enhance volunteering for those in need, despite the pandemic conditions. Consequently, they adapted their volunteering methods to minimize the risk of infection. For example, some switched from home visiting to visiting outside the door, and to provide emotional support without seeing each other. Others delivered essential pandemic supplies to those in need, leaving the items outside the door to avoid direct contact.
‘When I delivered the anti-pandemic materials, I did not see the recipient. I just put the items outside the door and called them to collect. I did not even wait for them to come out.’
(Interviewee 1)
‘During the pandemic, the volunteering process became quicker. We just left the gift pack with a brief note outside the flat. Sometimes, we might see how they are doing and provide emotional support.’
(Interviewee 13)

3.3.2. Switching the Occurrence of the Participation

Most interviewees recognized the importance of different types of social participation, particularly physical exercise. Consequently, they optimized their exercise routines to continue staying active under the adverse conditions. This adaptation was related to the importance of maintaining social distance.
Most of our interviewees continued to exercise and select different types of exercise (see elective selection), and they changed and adapted to pursue their individual needs. A very common practice observed was changing the occurrence of participation. Some adjusted their exercise schedule to early mornings or late nights (i.e., 4 a.m. or 11 p.m.) while some chose to exercise at a further location. These tactics they took were aimed at avoiding contact with others and minimizing the risk of infection. Here are specific examples of how interviewees adapted their exercise routines during the pandemic:
‘As we enjoyed the $2 Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme, I deliberately took a bus or ferry to some distant or remote places for a walk or hiking.’
(Interviewee 10)
‘I found it excellent to go to the park at 4:30 a.m.… As usual, there will be a lot of people exercising between 7–9 a.m., so I went earlier to the park for that to avoid crowds.’
(Interviewee 11)

3.3.3. Taking Adequate Preventive Measures

We encountered some participants who chose to continue social participation but were very mindful of pandemic prevention measures. Apart from the changes in terms of mode and occurrence, they also ensured that ideal hygiene and social measures were met during participation. Here are the examples of how they optimize the participation:
‘We went hiking in groups of two to four. We must wear masks, stay socially distant, that is to maintain a distance of 1.5 m, I think these were appropriate.’
(Interviewee 6)
‘Before entering the elderly centres, make sure we have to take a temperature check, wash our hands with alcohol, and wear a mask. We were not allowed to eat or drink during the activities, you need to go outside if you really needed to drink, even water.’
(Interviewee 10)

3.4. Compensation

To adapt to the imposed limitations, some interviewees purchased new tools to engage in new activities as a form of compensation. They mainly bought two kinds of tools to compensate for their lives: one is tools to support their existing or new activities, and the other is tools to compensate for their physical deficits.

3.4.1. Compensation for Existing or New Activities

Several interviewees mentioned that they took time to explore the relevant tools for their new interests. For instance, they might buy a new but cheap smartphone to keep up with online notifications and projects, or a camera for online meetings, or purchase necessary items for their selected activities:
‘I went fishing…… At least with fishing, I wouldn’t encounter as many people on the street. I deliberately bought fishing tools for this purpose.’
(Interviewee 10)
‘I bought a second-hand smartphone from the street and installed the key Apps in it.’
(Interviewee 16)

3.4.2. Compensation for Supporting Physical Functions

A few interviewees said that they bought some tools to support their functioning in the engagement of the original activities. One participant mentioned the story:
‘As I have limited mobility, if I needed to go outside for participation, I needed extra support… and I bought a cane for hiking.’
(Interviewee 16)

4. Discussion

This qualitative interview study explored how older adults adapt to the adverse environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the specific tactics taken and the core values underlying the subjective experience of social participation. Our findings reveal comprehensive accounts regarding the subjective experience of constraints and adaptation taken by older adults and their meanings.
The current study findings can be discussed within the SOC model (Baltes and Baltes 1993), which proposes that older adults adapt to maintain or enhance well-being and functioning by taking different strategies, including selection, optimization, and compensation. These strategies highlight the importance of maintaining social connections with others and alter the assumption that older adults are passive during the COVID-19 period. So far, there have been numerous studies suggesting that there was a reduction in social participation or enhanced social isolation in older adults during the COVID-19 period, which would negatively influence their physical and mental well-being (Hwang et al. 2020). However, these studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, mainly focused on quantitative survey outcomes (e.g., N. G. Choi et al. 2022; Su et al. 2023), one of the main contributions of our study is revealing the ability to make active decisions among Chinese older adults, underscoring the importance of the strength-based approach to cope with adversity.
First, our findings showed how older adults adapt to adverse situations using loss-based selection. They deliberately reduced the physical contact with friends and relatives, mainly for the sake of both their health and others’ health. Han et al. (2021) revealed that fear of COVID-19 was associated with affective symptoms and risk perception in older adults. Although risk perception can lead to excessive caution in decision-making, our participants were able to explain their choices, which highlights the proactive approach older adults took to manage the uncertainty during the pandemic.
Although one systematic review reported that there was an increase in sedentary time in older adults due to COVID-19 lockdowns (Larson et al. 2021), this does not mean that they are completely inactive at home. Our participants mainly selected artistic and recreational activities, these kinds of activities were consistently found to have positive impacts on their physical health, cognitive functions and well-being (Adams et al. 2011; Chacur et al. 2022).
Our findings suggest that older adults consciously make wise decisions on maintaining connections with society during the pandemic. As reflected in the elective selection, although the restriction policies might have imposed constraints on their choices of social participation types, it is also clear that they are willing to engage in three types of activities.
In regard to volunteering, a quantitative study revealed that older adults remained active in doing voluntary work during the pandemic in Hong Kong (S. C. Y. Chan et al. 2024), our findings extended that and demonstrated that older adults adopt different modes or ways to deliver their support to society, with some of the activities were self-initiated (Wan et al. 2020). Our findings also supported that older adults are motivated to volunteer and develop and enhance a sense of purpose through volunteering (Russell et al. 2022).
One systematic review reported that there was a decrease in physical activity or an increase in sedentary time in older adults due to COVID-19 lockdowns (Larson et al. 2021). However, our results show that Hong Kong older adults did not stop participating in physical activities during the pandemic; to achieve healthy ageing, they have adopted adjustments in patterns and modes. These adaptations are seen as ways of reflecting how resilient they are and how they can endure the negative consequences of the restrictions.
Going online was another vital theme. Owing to the shutdown of daily facilities during the pandemic, online platforms were developed and were beneficial not only to education but also to social service systems. Older adults could be able to learn to use smartphones or digital devices. On the one hand, they rely on the Internet for social and interpersonal connection; on the other hand, they use these platforms for personal growth and other daily routines (Sayat et al. 2024). Our participants generally expressed their willingness and acceptance of the online platform for learning opportunities and to keep up with the trends.
Regarding the optimization approach, nearly all participants expressed their investment of effort to maximize their functioning. Switching the mode of participation in physical activities is particularly important. Maintaining healthy behaviours is important for physical and mental health (Inauen and Zhou 2020). S. C. Y. Chan et al. (2024) found a similar result in Hong Kong older adults, the results revealed that only physical activities were associated with all mental and subjective well-being indicators during the COVID-19 period, even after controlling for covariates. Our findings might provide one explanation for their results; changing the modes and occurrence of exercising, either participating using online mode or adjusting the participation period, can be a successful way of adaptation, which is vital for older adults to foster their well-being during adverse conditions.
Nevertheless, compensation takes place when they are willing to maintain engagement with society. Our participants took different approaches to achieve their selected goals, notably by purchasing the necessary items and items that supporting their physical functions.
The above discussion through the SOC model shows that individual-led pandemic responses can also effectively cope with the pandemic and enhance the well-being of older adults. While the previous anti-pandemic measures, based on residual policy responses and medical experts, are challenging to be counted on by the disadvantaged group (Lau et al. 2020), this study shows an important implication for future public policy suggestions to the government. By optimizing the social participation of community members (including older adults), anti-pandemic measures can be more effective in reaching the disadvantaged group and establishing community resilience, supplementing the current anti-pandemic measures. For example, coordinating and distributing community strengths, resources, information, and physical and online social support through NGOs and volunteer work can be effective in coping with future risks. Furthermore, with reference to our findings, providing specific tools for compensation or facilitating optimization might also inform how future local interventions should be focused on. For example, the inclusion of the digital-based physical and leisure activities provided by the NGOs are important. Based on the above research, they are able to enhance older adults’ physically and mental well-being. Therefore, suggestions towards a more mixed model of activities fostering social participation may be needed in the adverse situation. Once they learnt the tools, the positive impacts can be generalized in the post-pandemic era.
  • Limitations
One potential limitation of our study may be related to sampling bias, since our samples were recruited through NGOs, it is possible that they are more motivated to engage in society. Thus, their voices may not be the holistic picture of Hong Kong older adults. Future studies might aim to capture the views of those who are not initially active. Yet, our study focused on how adaptive they were in the pandemic and identified their positive aspects, their experiences are still valuable to be explored. Second, our recruited samples were generally healthy younger individuals, as there is a wide variety of types of older adults. From a developmental perspective, our findings mostly reflect the adaptive features of the young-old. Future studies can be done to explore the mechanisms among the older old. Our study may also be limited by their digital literacy, our study primarily reflects the experiences of older adults who are more digitally competent, leaving out those who face barriers in technology use. Future research might consider investigating older adults with varying levels of digital literacy to capture a more comprehensive picture.

5. Conclusions

Overall, this qualitative study provides an understanding of how Hong Kong older adults adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by integrating the SOC model and their own strategies. Our participants were capable of selecting ideal goals, making wise decisions, optimising their skills and recourses, learning and developing skills for adaptions, and compensating for their loss to maintain or enhance their well-being. Our study demonstrates that the SOC model is a feasible framework to address adaptive changes in older adults under adverse conditions. Apart from this, our study provides important policy insight for the government to adopt a more comprehensive approach to tackling risks by enhancing community members’ social participation, including older adults. It would be effective to establish better community resilience. This would lead to further studies from an ecological perspective on how contextual factors may facilitate and hinder the forms and effectiveness of social participation for older adults.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.C.Y.C. and M.K.W.L.; methodology, S.C.Y.C. and M.K.W.L.; software, S.C.Y.C.; formal analysis, S.C.Y.C. and M.K.W.L.; investigation, S.C.Y.C. and M.K.W.L.; resources, S.C.Y.C.; data curation, S.C.Y.C. and M.K.W.L.; writing—original draft preparation, S.C.Y.C., M.K.W.L. and C.C.W.; writing—review and editing, S.C.Y.C., M.K.W.L. and C.C.W.; project administration, S.C.Y.C.; funding acquisition, S.C.Y.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the Internal fund at Saint Francis University (formerly the Caritas Institute of Higher Education) with a granted number IDG220105.

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting this study’s findings are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:
SOCSelection, Optimization with Compensation
COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 2019
NGONon-governmental Organization

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Table 1. Demographic variables.
Table 1. Demographic variables.
VariablesParticipants (N = 25)
Mean (S.D.), Range
Age69.96 (7.27), 60–91
Frequency (%)
Sex
Male9 (36.0%)
Female16 (64.0%)
Marital Status
Single and never married5 (20.0%)
Married17 (68.0%)
Widowed2 (8.0%)
Divorce1 (4.0%)
Others0 (0.0%)
Education
Uneducated/Pre-school education1 (4.0%)
Primary School5 (20.0%)
Secondary School10 (40.0%)
Higher Education or Above9 (36.0%)
Education
Poor1 (4.0%)
Average8 (32.0%)
Good13 (52.0%)
Very good3 (12.0%)
Excellent0 (0.0%)
Abbreviation. S.D., standard deviation.
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MDPI and ACS Style

Chan, S.C.Y.; Lai, M.K.W.; Wong, C.C. Revisiting Social Participation in Hong Kong Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Soc. Sci. 2025, 14, 729. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14120729

AMA Style

Chan SCY, Lai MKW, Wong CC. Revisiting Social Participation in Hong Kong Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Social Sciences. 2025; 14(12):729. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14120729

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chan, Stephen Cheong Yu, Michael Ka Wai Lai, and Chi Chung Wong. 2025. "Revisiting Social Participation in Hong Kong Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic" Social Sciences 14, no. 12: 729. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14120729

APA Style

Chan, S. C. Y., Lai, M. K. W., & Wong, C. C. (2025). Revisiting Social Participation in Hong Kong Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Social Sciences, 14(12), 729. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14120729

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