The problem of loneliness is a familiar one in Hong Kong, highlighted by tragedies among isolated elderly members of society. However, it is not only those in advanced years or residents living alone who feel disconnected. Such feelings are also much too prevalent among adults across age groups living with their families.

The results of a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society suggest one in five such people in the city feel lonely. An estimated 520,000 household members self-isolate, unwilling to confide in friends and relatives or even to seek advice from AI chatbots, according to the poll.

Teresa Cheung Wing-shan, a senior manager at the NGO, expressed the problem in stark terms, saying people are not living alone “but everyone feels like an island”. It is a sad state of affairs.

This is a problem around the world, although the survey suggests the level in Hong Kong is higher than the World Health Organization’s global rate of around 16 per cent.

More than half of those classified as lonely said they often felt overwhelmed by family and wished to escape. They are turning away from the people closest to them, who should be able to offer companionship. There is a need for greater awareness among families of the importance of communicating with each other. When leading busy lives, it is all too easy to drift into worlds of their own.

The survey unsurprisingly showed that even a little interaction can significantly boost levels of well-being. The NGO recommends that at least two hours should be spent daily with family members and a minimum of 15 minutes in conversation.