Lingnan’s research and exhibits strengthen community ties in the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES)

Lingnan University participated in the Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) from 20 to 23 November, showing innovative products from the LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab as well as the research outcome from their collaboration with local elderly service organisations. Gerontechnology ambassadors were there to explain the exhibits on-site and tell the over 800 visitors about volunteers’ experiences.

In the Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project (the Project), older persons living alone and elderly couples in the Tuen Mun district have received support to improve their quality of life. Since 2022, Lingnan has partnered with charities such as the Yan Oi Tong (YOT) and the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council (NAAC) to promote gerontechnology in the community, and conducted a survey of 743 people before the expo in order to gain greater insight into the elderly’s views on the Project’s effectiveness and how gerontechnology is used. Results revealed that over 70 per cent of the beneficiaries felt able to use gerontechnology, and nearly 90 per cent were willing to tell family and friends about it, stressing the crucial role of peer information exchange in promoting gerontechnology.

Regarding feedback from beneficiaries, Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer of the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University, noted the growing community recognition of gerontechnology, adding “In the Project, we have collaborated with two NGOs to explore diverse applications of gerontechnology and, through funding support, gained a deeper understanding of users’ actual needs and opinions. The results show that over 90 per cent of beneficiaries have confidence in the development of gerontechnology, and some elderly individuals are even willing to purchase related products on their own beyond the subsidy, which is highly significant for the long-term development of gerontechnology.”

Beyond the exhibition, the School of Graduate Studies also sent students from various programmes to see for themselves and learn about the latest developments in gerontechnology in Hong Kong. Liu Jiali, a Master of Social Sciences in Health and Social Services Management (MHSM) student, said “I can see that Hong Kong’s gerontechnology is a global leader, with a mature industry chain and product system. The event attracts international and local exhibitors, and showcases innovative technologies. Among the many highlights, I was particularly impressed by a robot from Malaysia designed specifically for elderly residents in care homes; it can guide them through exercises and provide companionship by talking to them. The care food pavilion also offered a variety of new and nourishing soft foods. We enjoyed visiting the gerontechnology exhibition, and sincerely hope our university will continue to contribute to aging society and shine even brighter!”

Another student, Lee Ka-yee, from the Master of Science in Smart Ageing and Gerontology programme, said that this was the second year she was taking part in the GIES and she felt a there had been a considerable advance in gerontechnology “Simple-to-operate mahjong machines allow elderly users to entertain themselves while exercising their cognitive functions, and robotic pets may bring joy and a sense of companionship to those who cannot keep real pets. Through this GIES, I have come to understand that the best gerontechnology is not the most expensive or complex, but technology that understands what is in the hearts of Hong Kong’s elderly and makes them feel loved – and that is the most friendly technology.”

Course instructor Dr Siu commented “Sustained development of gerontechnology relies not only on its use by community organisations and the elderly, but also on young people’s understanding it. They will be the future caregivers and need to realise how technology can meet the needs of an ageing society. Many students had little prior knowledge of gerontechnology, but, through interdisciplinary integration and hands-on participation, they have gained a deeper understanding of the field, and become interested as far as their future careers are concerned, and some are even considering pursuing research in this area. I am very pleased to see students gain a more comprehensive understanding and the will to support the development of gerontechnology in Hong Kong after their visit.” She also expressed satisfaction at students’ enhanced appreciation of Hong Kong’s gerontechnology development.