30 JUL 2024

The Lingnan University STEAM Education and Research Centre, in partnership with Fu Tai Elderly Home and the Hong Kong Old Age Nursing Association Limited, held the ninth installment of the "STEAM 'Smart Elderly' Activity at Elderly Home"

The ninth session of the groundbreaking "STEAM 'Smart Elderly' Activity at Elderly Home" program concluded on July 30, 2024, marking a significant milestone in elderly care and education. This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by Lingnan University's STEAM Education and Research Centre, Fu Tai Elderly Home and the Hong Kong Old Age Nursing Association Limited, continues to push the boundaries of senior engagement and technological literacy.

In this latest session, the STEAM Education and Research Centre team from Lingnan University brought the cutting-edge world of 3D printing directly to the residents of Fu Tai Elderly Home. The workshop seamlessly blended education, creativity, and hands-on experience, providing a unique opportunity for seniors to explore the frontiers of additive manufacturing technology. The session began with an enlightening presentation on the history, applications, and potential of 3D printing. Tailored to the senior audience, this introduction sparked curiosity and laid the foundation for the interactive activities to follow.

Following the theoretical component, participants engaged in a tactile exercise involving paper folding. This activity served a dual purpose: it helped seniors visualize the transition from two-dimensional designs to three-dimensional objects while also providing a gentle workout for hand dexterity and fine motor skills. The pinnacle of the workshop was the introduction of 3D printing pens. Under the patient guidance of the STEAM Centre staff, elderly residents enthusiastically embraced this novel technology. They created personalized three-dimensional artworks, ranging from decorative items to functional objects. This hands-on experience not only fostered creativity but also significantly boosted concentration and cognitive engagement among the participants.

Dr. Philip Wong, Deputy Director of the STEAM Education and Research Centre at Lingnan University, commented on the program's success: "We're witnessing a paradigm shift in elderly care. By introducing seniors to advanced technologies like 3D printing, we're keeping them engaged; we're empowering them to be active participants in our rapidly evolving digital world. The joy and sense of accomplishment on our residents' faces as they created their 3D artworks was truly heartwarming. This program is proving that age is no barrier to learning and innovation."

The "STEAM 'Smart Elderly' Activity at Elderly Home" program continues to receive widespread acclaim for its forward-thinking approach to senior care and education. By bridging the generational technology gap, it's enhancing the quality of life for elderly participants while fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

As the program moves forward, organizers are exploring additional technologies to introduce, including virtual reality experiences and robotics workshops. These initiatives promise to further enrich the lives of Hong Kong's senior citizens, keeping them connected, engaged, and at the forefront of technological advancements.

For more information about the "STEAM 'Smart Elderly' Activity at Elderly Home" program or to learn about upcoming sessions, please contact the STEAM Education and Research Centre at Lingnan University.