Hong Kong is undergoing significant demographic shifts, notably a steady increase in the number and proportion of single-person households. In the first quarter of 2026, single-person households accounted for 22% of all households in Hong Kong, which means more than one in five households now consists of a solo dweller. Government projections indicate that the solo-living population will exceed 700,000 by 2041.

Attentive to the societal impact of these demographic changes, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) hosted the exhibition Unlock: My Story of Solo-Connected Living in March this year, sharing the personal journeys of 12 individuals living on their own. The real-life stories and artwork formed the core of the exhibition, drawing visitors to delve into their experiences and reflections.

This newly published booklet (in Chinese) serves as an extension of the exhibition, featuring an expanded collection of 13 detailed stories. Through these narratives, several distinct characteristics of living alone emerge:

1. 1. Challenges and difficulties in family or peer relationships often make living alone become a viable alternative.  Eventually, solo living, for some of them, help improved relationships over time.
   2. Lack of stable housing poses significant hurdles to dating, marriage, and upward social mobility, making solo living a reality to accept.
   3. In time of difficulties or setbacks, many default to self-reliance rather than actively seeking help. Overly strong self-reliant mindset can easily lead individuals into isolation and loneliness.

Building connection is a core strength of the social service sector. While social services currently remain heavily centred on traditional family units, the rising solo population calls for service organizations and philanthropic foundations to extend their focus to various solo-living groups—particularly middle-aged and young-old demographics.

Synthesizing the insights shared by interviewees, the booklet outlines seven essential life competencies for solo living. Equipping individuals with these capabilities empowers them to overcome daily hardships and embrace the inevitable ups and downs of life.

Ultimately, creating a solo-living friendly city requires collective action across society, especially in establishing social networks among solo dwellers and with the wider community to mitigate the risks of loneliness and social isolation. To guide this effort, the booklet highlights nine key elements of a solo-friendly city.

The booklet is now available for download on our website.

For inquiries or feedback regarding the booklet or solo living, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].