Graduate School of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), the Consortium for Social Change, Well-being and Social Policy Studies, and the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University, collaborated and brough forth a groundbreaking Impact Case Seminar and Workshop: Well-being of Older Persons: An Age-friendly City Perspective in Asia, on 26th October 2024, at the Lingnan University. The Impact Case Seminar had welcomed nearly 100 participants, including postgraduate students, faculty members and 44 representatives from NGOs in the Greater Bay Area. This event promises to be a catalyst for change in urban environments.
Professor Mok, the Provost and Vice President (Academic and Research) and Dean of Graduate School of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) graced the Impact Case Seminar with a keynote address. Reflecting on his extensive nine-year tenure as the Principal Investigator of the Age-friendly City Project (JCAFC), Professor Mok highlighted the essence of fostering intergenerational dialogue and collaboration across a spectrum of stakeholders, including commercial entities, government departments, public organizations, and universities.
"In the quest for sustainable age-friendly policies, the key lies in bridging generations and fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries", Professor Mok emphasized. He underscored the transformative power of listening to the voices of older individuals, empowering them, and establishing robust communication channels as fundamental strategies in crafting truly inclusive and age-friendly environments.
Dr. SHI Cheng, Research Assistant Professor, School of Graduate Studies cum Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, introduced the 8 domains of an Age-friendly City framework as recommended by the World Health Organization. She emphasized that it is not merely about being elderly-friendly but rather a call to create inclusive and liveable environments for individuals of all ages.
Ms Emily Wong, the Manager of Graduate School from HSUHK, took the stage and shared a bottom-up, community-based approach in the context of Age-friendly Cities, with Hong Kong serving as a compelling case study. Drawing her hands-on experiences working with the elderly in the JCAFC Project, Ms. Wong not only showcased the successes but also engaged participants in meaningful dialogues that captured both the joys and challenges of working with the older persons. "It all starts with trust. When you earn the trust of our elders, they blossom into the most powerful advocates for bringing positive change within our communities." Ms Wong shared. This Hong Kong case study underscored the profound influence and untapped potential that the aging population holds in steering positive social change.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Chloe Siu captivated the audience with an introduction to Gerontechnology, showcasing its pivotal role in fostering healthy aging. She also led a hands-on workshop on stakeholder analysis, demonstrated skills in drawing insightful discussions among participants. Another highlight of the day was the visitation to the LU Jockey Club Gerontech-X Lab by participants from the Greater Bay Area, offering a firsthand experience of innovative solutions and technologies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
At the heart of this event is a commitment to knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including NGOs, academia, policymakers, and stakeholders invested in urban development, come together to delve into the intricacies of creating cities that are not just liveable but thriving for older adults. Through capacity-building activities, visitations and interactive sessions, NGO staff, social workers, and representatives from organizations satisfied with the outcome and acquired the tools and knowledge necessary to champion healthy aging within their localities.
The postgraduate studies @ HSUHK promotes "research with impact, impact with care". Strongly believing in the transformative power of liberal arts education with professional competence, the GS @ HSUHK commits to nurture our students to become Caring Professionals with a global vision. With minds converging and ideas intertwining, the Impact Case Seminar and Workshops on Age-friendly Cities stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping a healthier, more inclusive world for generations to come, a future where age is not a barrier but a bridge to stronger, more resilient communities.
