Lingnan GS Students Gain Insights into Innovative Eldercare Services and Healthcare Operations in the Chinese Mainland Through an Experiential Visit

The School of Graduate Studies (GS) at Lingnan University (Lingnan) arranged a one-day experiential visit to eldercare and medical facilities in Shenzhen on 27 February 2026 for 27 students from the Master of Social Sciences in Health and Social Services Management (MHSM), Master of Science in Health Analytics and Management (HAM), and Master of Science in Smart Ageing and Gerontology (SAG) programmes. The visit provided students with first‑hand exposure to innovative eldercare models, integrated health and social services, and cutting-edge technological applications in the ageing sector. It also helped them to deepen their understanding of eldercare facilities in the Chinese Mainland and to experience integrated care services by observing practical healthcare management.

During the visit, students toured eldercare and medical facilities, gaining valuable insights into integrated eldercare service models. They were introduced to smart technologies and innovative practices that are transforming the ageing sector, while also exploring broader perspectives on cross-border eldercare development. This immersive learning experience enriched their appreciation of how healthcare and social services can be combined to support an ageing society.

The team visited a hospital and a retirement community in Qianhai, Shenzhen, where students observed barrier-free living facilities, attentive staff, and diverse recreational activities. The integration of medical and nursing services, supported by multidisciplinary teams, impressed the students as a model of holistic eldercare.

Alicia Zeng Xianghui from the HAM programme shared, “I was particularly impressed by the hospital’s surgical system, which offers remarkable precision and reduces patients’ pain and recovery time. Beyond technology, the hospital’s design fosters a healing environment. Each clinic has its own character—soft pink tones in the Women’s Health Clinic, child-friendly furniture in Paediatrics, and landscaped gardens throughout the campus. These thoughtful details transform the hospital into a truly welcoming space. I also noticed the staff’s attentiveness to and respect for patients’ dignity, embodying a people-oriented approach that exemplifies compassionate eldercare.”

Ann Chen Jieying from the MHSM programme stated, “This visit broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of health and social services management. The patient-centred healing environment at the hospital and the integrated medical-nursing care model at the retirement community demonstrated that future health management should extend beyond disease treatment. It should establish a comprehensive support system encompassing prevention, medical care, daily living, and social engagement. This experience has been profoundly beneficial to me.”

Helen He Yingshan from the SAG programme expressed, “I was particularly impressed by the people-centred design, especially the specialised care units for residents with dementia. The seamless integration between the retirement community and hospital ensures the reliable continuity of care. Equally important was the multidisciplinary team approach—doctors, nurses, therapists, nutritionists, and social workers—collaborating to provide holistic, personalised care. From a technical perspective, the community’s big-data intelligence platform, powered by IoT sensors, demonstrated how smart technologies can enhance safety and efficiency without disrupting daily life. This visit deepened my understanding of integrated care models and strengthened my professional commitment to advancing smart eldercare.”

Victor Jamoni from the MHSM programme said, “As an international student, I had the valuable opportunity to visit a hospital and a retirement community in Shenzhen. This visit gave me a deeper appreciation of why some countries develop faster than others, emphasising substance and innovation.”

This one-day experiential visit to eldercare services not only expanded the students’ knowledge of innovative eldercare practices but also inspired them to apply their learning in their future careers. By witnessing the integration of advanced technology with compassionate care, the students gained a deeper appreciation of the evolving landscape of health and social services in an ageing society. As these future leaders in healthcare and social services management continue their studies, experiences such as this will undoubtedly shape their commitment to advancing holistic, smart, and patient-centred eldercare both locally and globally.