Cross-sectoral collaboration for co-promoting Gerontech education via community outreach activities
The ‘Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place’ Project (The Project) was pleased to collaborate with a wide range of organizations in launching outreach activities to promote the concept of Gerontechnology. By conducting ‘Community Talks’ and ‘Mobile Labs’, which are educational activities that serve as platforms for the public to learn about ageing issues and provide hands-on experience with Gerontech products, it is hoped the quality of life of older adults and caregivers can further be enhanced.
In December 2023, it was the Project’s honor to be invited by the Social Welfare Department (Tsuen Wan & Kwai Tsing) to share about the concept of Gerontechnology in the closing ceremony cum volunteer appreciation gathering of the Smart Phone Usage Program. On the event day, the Project Team, together with a Gerontech ambassador, have shared on the linkage between technology and health management, as well as showcased some innovative Gerontech products. There were over a hundred participants joining the event. It was glad that everyone has shown great interest in the sharing and was excited to try on the Gerontech products.
Apart from older adults, the younger generation is an important pillar supporting the future development of Gerontechnology. The Project has been collaborating with numerous primary and secondary schools for the Gerontech Mobile Lab. The Mobile Lab gives participants a taste of Gerontechnology, allowing students to get to know how Gerontech can alleviate care givers’ burden while improving older adults’ quality of life. The Project was also delighted to learn that quite a lot of students have actually mastered some basic knowledge about Gerontechnology prior to the Mobile Lab. It was even more impressed with the guidance of teachers, students were able to unleash their potential to initiate their own R&D project on a Gerontech product. In view of students’ passion and perseverance, the Gerontech ambassadors were generous to share their comments as well.
Since the Project commenced in 2022, it has conducted over 270 sessions of outreach activities. Number of beneficiaries even exceeds 8000. Not limited to primary and secondary schools, elderly centres, district health centres, Social Welfare Department, the Project partners with stakeholders across diverse sectors to promote Gerontech information (E.G. The three highs, dysphagia, fall prevention, smart mobility resources, etc.) with the public and participants got to experience Gerontech products in the categories of healthcare, dining, living, and transport. The Project looks forward to continue immersing into local communities and to co-create a more prosperous Gerontech ecosystem with everyone!
