Visit to LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab: Exploring Ageing Needs Through Technology

Students from the Master of Social Sciences in Health and Social Services Management (MHSM) and Master of Science in Health Analytics and Management (HAM) programmes from the School of Graduate Studies (GS) visited the LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab on 3 September 2026 as part of the course Modern Technology in Health and Social Services. The visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the application of modern technology in health and social services. Through experiential learning, the visit enabled students to explore how innovative technologies address the needs, challenges, and expectations of an ageing population, while connecting classroom knowledge with real-world applications in health and social services.

During the visit, students explored a wide range of gerontechnology products, including telemonitoring systems, telehealth solutions, assistive devices, and other innovative technologies designed to enhance older adults’ independence and quality of life. Through hands-on experience with different devices and service scenarios, students gained insights into how product design responds to practical needs.

In addition to learning about various technology products, students were also introduced to cutting-edge applications such as virtual reality (VR) in community and elderly service projects. The experience inspired students to reflect on the multiple roles of technology in service design: while technology can enhance service efficiency and expand service coverage, it must also align with older adults’ usage habits, cognitive abilities, physical conditions, and emotional needs. Students therefore further reflected that advancing gerontechnology is not merely about introducing advanced equipment; more importantly, it is about ensuring that technology can be understood, accepted, and continuously used by older adults.

Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer at the GS and course instructor, highlighted the educational value of the visit. She said, “The visit enabled students to connect classroom theories with practical applications, deepening their understanding of gerontechnology trends and social needs. As Hong Kong faces the challenges of an ageing population, gerontechnology plays an increasingly important role in promoting healthy ageing and enhancing service quality. Through direct exposure to the local gerontechnology sector and related innovation projects, students were able to understand from different perspectives how technology can address the diverse needs of older adults, while developing their ability to apply innovative thinking to analyse and solve issues in health and social services.”

Dr Siu also noted that the visit fostered intergenerational exchange and learning. Through interactions with the Lingnan University’s Gerontech Ambassadors, students had the opportunity to hear from community older adults about their experiences and views on technology products. These exchanges helped students understand that the effectiveness of technology solutions depends not only on advanced functions, but also on whether they fit into older adults’ living contexts, confidence in using technology, and actual expectations. From a user-centred perspective, students were encouraged to consider how service solutions can be designed to be more inclusive and human-centred, enabling technology to support older adults’ lives without creating additional barriers.

Krishna Kripa Suresh Kumar, a student from the Master of Science in Health Analytics and Management (HAM) programme, shared, “The visit gave me a deeper understanding of how different technologies can help older adults live more comfortably with pride. I also learned first-hand how modern technology can support healthcare and improve the daily lives of older adults.”

Reflecting on the social significance of gerontechnology, she added, “I think Hong Kong is developing a wide range of technologies to help older adults to live comfortably and support disease prevention. I would like to learn more about the everyday challenges faced by older people and how technology, even when addressing what may seem like a small issue, can make a significant difference in their lives.”

The visit enabled students to move beyond “understanding technology” towards “understanding service”. Students not only deepened their understanding of population ageing and the needs of older adults, but also enhanced their ability to evaluate and apply innovative technologies in health and social services. By integrating theoretical learning with field experience, students further developed a person-centred perspective on service delivery, while building the professional knowledge and innovative thinking needed to address the challenges of the ageing society. The experience also better prepared them to contribute to the future development of age-friendly communities and innovative health and social services.