As Hong Kong ages and life goes digital, Hang Seng’s Silver Academy helps seniors stay active, connected and confident

New programme with Community Chest aims to reach more than 800 seniors in its first year, combining wellbeing activities with anti-scam awareness and digital skills support.

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In a city that moves fast, it’s easy to miss a quiet reality: many older people are being asked to navigate a digital world that wasn’t built with them in mind. Payments, appointments, investments, even everyday conversations — they increasingly happen through screens, links and unfamiliar prompts. Most seniors adapt impressively. But fraudsters adapt faster.

That’s why Hang Seng Bank has launched the Hang Seng Silver Academy, a community programme designed to strengthen the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of seniors in Hong Kong, with a strong focus on anti-fraud awareness and digital inclusion.

The Academy was launched in partnership with The Community Chest of Hong Kong and four community partners, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong, St. James’ Settlement, The Salvation Army and Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service. In its first year, the programme is expected to reach more than 800 people aged 65 and above.

When a message isn’t “just a message”

Scams don’t always arrive looking like scams. They can sound like a friendly call. A “good tip”. A “limited-time opportunity”. A message that looks like it came from a bank, a government department or even a family member.

The stakes are rising. In the first five months of 2026, police figures showed 562 seniors fell victim to investment fraud, losing a combined HK$560 million. The average loss per elderly victim rose to HK$1.01 million, up from HK$820,000 the previous year. Overall fraud cases during the same period exceeded 16,000, with total losses reaching HK$2.94 billion.

At the same time, Hong Kong is ageing rapidly. Official projections indicate that by the middle of the century, more than one in three residents will be 65 or above. As daily life becomes more digital, the ability to recognise online and telephone scams — and use digital services safely — becomes a core life skill.

The question is no longer whether seniors will encounter digital risks. It’s whether we can help equip them before they do.

A cross-sector effort to support ageing with confidence

“The HKSAR Government is committed to a caring, inclusive society. We recognise seniors’ experience and will strengthen holistic support for physical health, psychological resilience and financial security, so they can live healthy, secure and dignified lives,” said Chris Sun Yuk-han, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare.

“As population ageing accelerates, government resources alone can’t meet every need. We must work closely with business and the community – combining corporate innovation, social welfare expertise and policy support – to turn challenges into new momentum. I welcome the launch of the Hang Seng Silver Academy,” he said.

Three pillars — because wellbeing is never one-dimensional

The Academy is built around three pillars, reflecting a simple belief: helping seniors thrive isn’t just about safety, or fitness, or learning – it’s about the whole person.

1) Physical wellbeing: moving more, living more

Activities include pickleball, Pilates, entry-level Muay Thai, Finnish skittles and electronic darts — designed to encourage regular movement, build confidence and create more opportunities for social connection.

2) Mental & social wellbeing: staying curious, staying connected

Participants can join courses on video editing, introductory artificial intelligence, Korean culture and aromatherapy candle making – keeping minds active, opening new interests and fostering peer support.

3) Financial wellbeing & digital inclusion: staying one step ahead of scams

The Academy’s most distinctive pillar focuses on financial health and digital inclusion. Hang Seng’s anti-fraud and digital banking teams will run workshops on common scam techniques and on how to use digital banking services safely — delivered step-by-step, in a senior-friendly way.

A tour through Central — and through the tricks scammers use

From October 2026, trained senior volunteers will lead guided tours of financial landmarks in Central for more than 240 participants. The tours will combine local financial history with practical advice on recognising and avoiding fraud, turning “learning” into something memorable, social and grounded in everyday situations.

Hang Seng: making the “Future Bank” inclusive for every generation

Luanne Lim, Hang Seng Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Executive, said the Academy reflects the bank’s belief that its role “goes beyond banking” and includes staying close to the evolving needs of the community.

“As digitalisation and AI advance rapidly, the ‘Future Bank’ must be inclusive for every generation, including seniors — which is why we launched the programme, combining Hang Seng’s financial expertise with our community partners to help seniors build digital confidence and strengthen anti-fraud awareness,” she said.

Hang Seng Bank has for several years run anti-fraud education campaigns and simplified digital banking interfaces for older customers. The Academy brings these efforts together – alongside physical and social activities – in a structured, community-based platform.

Bringing learning to neighbourhoods — and improving with feedback

Community partners will deliver most of the face-to-face sessions in neighbourhood settings familiar to participants, lowering barriers to attendance and allowing content to be adjusted according to local needs.