Hong Kong elderly learning to age positively, on or off the catwalk

David Chan Lau-wing competes in marathons around the globe. And he’s good. He recently ran a full race within the three hours and 55 minutes needed to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It’s an impressive achievement, more so considering Chan is 63 years old and only took up the sport as a hobby in his mid-50s.

Chan doesn’t let age get in the way of his endeavours, and that extends to modelling. He proved that in August when he and seven other mature models strutted their stuff at a catwalk show in Hung Hom. Wearing experimental designs by Hong Kong fashion students, the models – who received basic training from a professional choreographer – also sported bold eyeliner, futuristic metallic lipstick and, for some, a full head of natural silver hair.

“I look like James Bond from this angle,” says one model before the show begins. Another makes modifications to his outfit so he can “carry it better”.

While this is their first catwalk, most show great poise. “The audience doesn’t know our choreography so it doesn’t matter if we take a wrong step – no one will notice as long as we stride forward with confidence,” Chan says.

The fashion show was a collaboration between the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong and Ohh Dear Communications, a modelling agency that recruits elderly Hongkongers. Founded last year by Zip Cheung Ngai-ting, its motto is “silver is the new black”.

Cheung noticed a business opportunity in the so-called “silver economy” that is now booming globally, driven by technology and a rapidly ageing population. There are growing numbers of insurance and financial plans, health care products and holidays, for example, that target older customers with disposable incomes.