The Gadjah Mada University Postgraduate School (SPs UGM) delegation continued to visit the Gerontechnology Lab on January 14th 2025, Lingnan University. Starting from the idea of how Hong Kong faces the increasing population in old age and how to encourage the elderly population to have a quality life, remain active and independent, Lingnan University formed the Lignan Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Aging Project.
“We hope that by utilizing gerontechnology tools we can support the elderly to remain active, have a good quality of life with the support of technology in the health sector (healthcare), eating equipment (dining), household equipment (living), and tools that support mobility ( transportation)”, said Dr. Chloe – Associate Program Director of the Master of Science in Smart Aging and Gerontology Program, Lingnan University.
First, The Gerontechnology Lab does not specifically design equipment that supports the elderly, but promotes existing tools and packages them into several clusters, namely tools that support health, for example early detection of heart health, blood vessels, muscle stress levels, mental stress levels.
The second is the household equipment cluster. Products on the market or marketplace are packaged in such a way that they form a good unit, for example, carpets that detect when an elderly person leaves the room, body transfer equipment, modifications to trousers and clothes that make it easier to change, and so on.
Third, Gerontech Lab also promotes eating utensils that help the elderly, for example slightly curved spoons, spill-proof plates, etc. Fourth, this lab promotes tools related to mobility, for example walking sticks, wheelchairs with ergonomics and technology that helps the elderly.
It is hoped that this visit will provide insight into policies related to technology to support elderly people who are independent, have a good quality of life and remain active.
Author: Ika Krisnadewi
Editor: Arfikah Istari