GS students promote gerontechnology and healthy ageing at the Carers Autumn Bazaar cum Social Service Expo 2026

Students from the School of Graduate Studies (GS) at Lingnan University (Lingnan) participated in the “Carers Autumn Bazaar cum Social Service Expo 2026” on 3 October 2026. Jointly organised by the Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing District Social Welfare Office of the Social Welfare Department and community partners, the event brought together service organisations to promote caregiver support services and foster a more caregiving-friendly community. Students from health-related taught postgraduate programmes offered by GS, including the Master of Science in Smart Ageing and Gerontology (SAG) and the Master of Science in Health Analytics and Management (HAM), engaged the public in gerontechnology experiences, exploring how innovative technologies can support older adults and their caregivers.

During the event, students from GS showcased a variety of gerontechnology applications through interactive demonstrations and experiential activities. The gerontechnology applications on display, including virtual reality (VR) and other innovative technology solutions, were designed to enhance physical and mental well-being. By engaging directly with the community, students applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings and gained a deeper understanding of the needs of older adults and their caregivers, while contributing to the promotion of healthy ageing and social inclusion.

Guo Fengyu, a student from the SAG programme, shared, “It was my pleasure to join the Social Welfare Department event. During the event, I saw many older adults enjoying the VR experience. It was wonderful to see them revisit travel memories and explore places they had never been to before. An older participant told me that she had always wanted to visit Malaysia but never had the chance. When she experienced it through VR, she was so surprised and happy that she said it felt like her dream had come true. I also met a pair of close friends who enjoyed looking back on their travel memories together through VR. It was heart-warming to see them sharing stories and enjoying the experience side by side. I really enjoyed being part of the event, as it showed me that gerontechnology is not only useful in supporting the needs of older adults, but can also bring them meaningful experiences and happiness. Seeing their positive reactions made the experience especially rewarding for me.”

Lin Wenwen, a student from the HAM programme, also reflected, “I am honoured to have had the opportunity to participate in this event and introduce gerontechnology products to the public. This event attracted participants from a range of age groups, including older adults, caregivers, children and middle-aged adults. Listening to their experiences and feedback, I gained a deeper understanding of how gerontechnology can address the needs of a diverse community. In particular, seeing older adults smile and show enthusiasm after experiencing these products first-hand helped me appreciate the important role that technology has to play in enhancing quality of life and promoting healthy ageing. This experience not only enriched my practical skills and knowledge but also deepened my understanding of the importance of bringing health services and innovative technologies into the community.”

This event reflected the educational philosophy of GS in encouraging students to learn beyond the classroom and put knowledge into practice, while highlighting its efforts to promote cross-sector collaboration and community engagement. By applying their learning to address real community needs, students further developed their practical skills and deepened their understanding of social responsibility. At the same time, the event provided a valuable opportunity for the public to learn more about the potential of gerontechnology and its importance in supporting caregivers, enhancing the well-being of older adults and fostering community inclusion.