
Putting German experiences into practice in Hong Kong
On this basis, the social enterprise Ginger Innovation was established. Chen Yimin, the founder of Ginger Innovation, previously worked as a mainstream media journalist and university lecturer. A visit to seniors living alone over a decade ago prompted her to reflect on the issue of ageing. Later, in 2013, she began writing a series of reports on the ageing society. At that time, while exploring solutions to the issue, she wondered whether her reports might inadvertently emphasize only the negative aspects of an aged society and the vulnerability of the elderly. She also pondered if there could be alternative solutions.
Subsequently, Chen embarked on a series of reports focusing on aged countries around the world. For her first stop, she chose Germany. She spent four years conducting research, visiting 19 cities and completing over 200 interviews. This experience fueled her determination to promote the “embrace ageing" culture and concept in Hong Kong.
Spicy flavour of old ginger is precious and unique
The creative Chinese name of Ginger Innovation, which translates to “Old Ginger,” signifies that “the older the ginger, the spicier it becomes,” symbolizing the wisdom and value of life experience. Chen firmly believes that stories are the most effective way to connect with people’s hearts, so Ginger Innovation embraces the philosophy of “No preaching, just storytelling.”
Her team has so far trained over 200 seniors aged 65 to 86 in storytelling skills, teaching them techniques to effectively present their life stories in a few minutes. Among them, 20 were shortlisted to become Ginger Ambassadors, engaging in in-depth engagement with over 1,000 young students at universities to challenge and reshape the younger generation’s inherent perceptions of the elderly. Despite physical challenges such as visual and hearing impairments, these seniors enthusiastically explore life’s possibilities, demonstrating remarkable vitality: Some have bravely travelled to Antarctica to participate in a snow marathon, others have tackled a cross-country race in the Gobi Desert, and even a 70-year-old senior has taken up street dancing. Their actions prove that age is never an excuse to limit one’s dreams.