Valentine's Day Gerontech Carnival Kicks Off with Over 200 Participants Enjoying a Loving Journey for Seniors

14 February 2025

On 14 February 2025, the Gerontech Carnival jointly organised by Graduate School at The Heng Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), the Lingnan University's Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project team, and University of Wollongong College Hong Kong (UOWCHK), was grandly opened at UOWCHK. The event attracted over 200 participants, including more than a hundred seniors, caregivers, university students, and community members, who gathered to explore the infinite possibilities of elderly technology and enjoy a carnival filled with wisdom and joy.

The carnival was meticulously planned by the Institute of Policy Studies of Lingnan University, Graduate School of HSUHK, and UOWCHK, featuring a series of entertainment-based learning booths and educational activities. The theme of the event revolved around gerontechnology, covering areas such as health, food, housing, transportation, mobility, and learning. The aim was to enhance public awareness of gerontechnology and promote the development of smart and age-friendly cities.

During the opening speech, Professor Joshua MOK Ka-ho, Chief Researcher of the Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project and the Provost and Vice President (Academic and Research) of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong highlighted the importance of gerontechnology in improving the quality of life for seniors and encouraged everyone to actively explore how technology can be integrated into elderly living for a healthier and more convenient lifestyle.

Representatives from the Institute of Policy Studies at Lingnan University, Graduate School of HSUHK, and the Faculty of Social Sciences at UOWCHK gathers for a group photo alongside representatives from participating co-organising units. They presented certificates of appreciation to honor the contributions of each organisation in advancing gerontechnology education, celebrating the innovations and breakthroughs in gerontechnology together. (From left: Dr Chloe Siu Pui-yee, Senior Lecturer from the Institute of Policy Studies and School of Graduate Studies of Lingnan University; Dr Karen Lee Yuk-yee, Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UOWCHK; Mr Law Man-chun from EchoLink; Mr Ken Cheung, Project Manager of the Jockey Club CADENZA e-Tools for Elder Care; Mr Chan Ho-yin, Project Manager from Ingenious Learning System Limited; Dr Cheng Kam-yuen, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UOWCHK; Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Provost and Vice President (Academic and Research) of HSUHK; Ms Cheung Siu-wai from Shatin District Community Centre for the Golden-Aged; Ms Connie Tam, Project Manager of the Jockey Club "Age at Home" Gerotech Education and Rental Service; Ms. Ann Yuen from Hanshin Tech. Ltd.; Professor Yu Kar-ming, Director of Lingnan Institute of Further Education; and Ms Emily Wong Shuk-wai, Manager of Graduate School of HSUHK )

Following the opening, a series of engaging talks commenced, centered around the theme of "Gerontechnology and Holistic Living." Guest speakers included representatives from the Jockey Club "Age at Home" Gerotech Education and Rental Service, Jockey Club CADENZA e-Tools for Elder Care, Shatin District Community Centre for the Golden-Aged, Ingenious Learning System Limited and EchoLink. They shared practical applications and solutions of gerontechnology, helping seniors better utilise technology to enhance their quality of life.

At the end of the event, representatives from UOWCHK and HSUHK provided students with diverse information regarding further education opportunities.

The Gerontech Carnival not only served as a platform to showcase gerontechnology but also provided a great opportunity for community interaction. It allowed seniors and caregivers to experience the charm of elderly technology firsthand and promoted intergenerational communication, helping young people better understand the needs of seniors, thus achieving true "evergreen integration." Many participants expressed their hope for more similar carnival events in the future, allowing technology and care to go hand in hand, bringing more warmth and convenience to the community, and making Hong Kong a truly senior-friendly city.

This Valentine's Day, technology and love walk hand in hand; let us look forward to the next surprise of Gerontech Carnival !

For more photo, please visit HERE.