An unconventional social service is to break traditional taboos about death by taking photographs of the elderly in anticipation of their funeral rites - and has received an overwhelming response.
Social worker Chan Ping-lun of St James Settlement, which launched the service, said more than 3,500 elderly people from care centres across the territory had applied for the free service. The social welfare group expected only about 200 people would be interested when the programme was launched a month ago.
Photographs of the deceased play a key part in traditional funeral rites, and are used on gravestones. However, relatives often have to resort to old or poor quality photographs.
The first photo session will be held for about 280 residents of an elderly centre in Fung Tak estate in Wong Tai Sin next Thursday.
Madam Chan Woon, 67, who signed up for the service, said the prospect of preparing for her own funeral held no fears for her. 'I have no taboos in my life. Death is a path that no one can avoid, so why shouldn't we face it bravely?' she said.
The service is available to people aged 60 or older, but it aims to target single elderly people or those in poverty who may not have families to prepare for their funeral.
Mr Chan said he was glad to see Chinese elderly nowadays becoming more open-minded and no longer seeing funerals as a taboo topic. 'Our elderly people nowadays clearly understand it is a practical benefit to take the picture beforehand.
