The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has initiated the “Better Ageing in Community Campaign,” aimed at reducing fall risks among the elderly population. This effort, which began in January 2022, involves collaboration with community groups to implement artificial intelligence (AI) technology for fall risk assessment in seniors. Approximately one in five individuals aged 65 and above living in the community has suffered a fall, leading to significant strain on healthcare resources.
During the first phase of the campaign, nearly 900 elderly residents on Hong Kong Island were screened for fall risks, revealing that 26% were identified as high-risk. The campaign has also provided over 100 participants with comprehensive 12-week fall prevention training, which aims to strengthen their physical capabilities and reduce the likelihood of future falls.
Government Support and Community Engagement
A sharing session held to discuss the campaign’s successes included prominent figures such as Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Tommy Cheung, Executive Council Member. Sun highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by elderly individuals as their physical functions decline. He stated, “The ‘Better Ageing in Community Campaign’ demonstrates admirable thoughtfulness by addressing the issue of fall prevention among elderly persons, thereby reducing the risks they face in daily life.”
The Hong Kong government is also exploring the integration of technology in elder care. Plans are underway for a pilot scheme to install smart detection devices in 300 high-risk caregiver households. These devices will ensure that caregivers and care recipients receive timely assistance in the event of home accidents.
Prof. Christopher Chao, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, emphasized the role of AI in enhancing healthcare. He noted, “This project is not only a community healthcare initiative but also an exemplar of the University’s research outcomes being put into practice.” The multidisciplinary approach aims to translate research into societal benefits, enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.
Assessing Fall Risks and Future Plans
The screening process involved physiotherapy and occupational therapy students from PolyU, who conducted a series of tests, including the “walking speed test” and “sit-to-stand test.” Among the 891 elderly residents screened, 235 were found to be at higher risk of falling. Follow-up interviews indicated that around 20% of participants had experienced a fall in the previous year, with half requiring medical attention.
Research led by Prof. Marco Pang and Prof. Amy Fu demonstrated that the tests effectively predict fall risks in elderly men, while women’s risks are additionally related to their weight-to-height ratio. The team plans to extend the project to Kowloon and establish a large-scale elderly health database, optimizing AI model training to develop personalized fall prevention solutions.
By strengthening partnerships with community organizations and sectors related to social welfare and healthcare, PolyU aims to expand the reach of AI-powered screenings. The long-term goal is to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system while improving health outcomes for the elderly.
The “Better Ageing in Community Campaign” represents a proactive approach to addressing the health challenges posed by an aging population, demonstrating how community engagement and advanced technology can work together to enhance the wellbeing of seniors.
