Many people nowadays suffer from poor social health, including loneliness, social isolation, and disconnection. This is especially the case for older people, who often find it hard to reach out or ask for help because of their pride.
We come up with the idea of the happy-to-chat badges. By wearing a “happy to chat” badge on their clothes, bags or even hats, people can send out clear signals to others that they are happy to be greeted, approached and have a chat when they are out and about, whether these are during their shopping trips, walks in the parks or queuing at the bus stops.
Extending previous happy-to-chat schemes, such as the happy-to-chat benches and the happy-to-chat cafes, happy-to-chat badges add mobility and flexibility. Happy-to-chat badges are not confined to any fixed locations or time-limited. It can be worn by anyone, anywhere and at any time. Using the nudge theory, happy to chat badges are a simple way to encourage micro conversations between and amongst people, promoting societal connections.
Although older people are our primary stakeholders, happy-to-chat badges can benefit everyone in society. By having more people wearing the happy-to-chat badges and supporting the movement, happy-to-chat will generate a new societal culture change, where connecting and socialising is made easier for all.
Preliminary data collected from 30 older people (age 50+) from 明星八卦 Older People Reference Group (BROG), revealed very positive attitudes about wearing the happy-to-chat badges. 70% of participants point out they would like to participate and would be happy to wear the happy-to-chat badges during shopping, on public transportation and when participating in clubs.