Hong Kong's population is ageing rapidly, with projections indicating that by 2039, nearly one-third of the population will be aged 65 and above, and that chronic disease patients will reach 3 million, placing immense pressure on the public healthcare system. To address these future healthcare needs, PolyU is spearheading research and work in healthy ageing, focusing on medicine-engineering integration and AI-driven medical research to develop personalised treatment and healthcare solutions. The breakthrough innovations of three PolyU researchers are highlighted below.

3D ultrasound imaging technology for assessments

Supported by the Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub (JCSAH), PolyU's Department of Biomedical Engineering has developed an interdisciplinary smart ageing network platform to promote gerontechnology and foster collaborations. Among their innovations is a 3D ultrasound imaging technology developed by Ir Professor Zheng Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of JCSAH and Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing at PolyU.

This technology, which clearly displays muscle structures, has been applied for scoliosis assessment and muscle movement analysis. PolyU is collaborating with Beijing’s “301 Hospital” to study 3D ultrasounds for muscle measurement, assess muscle loss risk, and visually guide muscle training for sarcopenia. Professor Zheng states that the technology is also applicable to Parkinson's Disease and stroke risk assessment for the elderly.

Prof. Zheng invented a wearable ultrasound imaging system that leverages AI to analyse movements, assess muscle loss, and evaluate fall risk.

Collaborating with WHO to enhance elderly care

PolyU's School of Nursing, as a “World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services” (the Centre), supports the WHO in formulating policies and recommendations for healthy ageing. Professor Angela Leung, Associate Head (Research) at the School of Nursing and Director of the Centre, researches the intrinsic capacity in older age and the application of the "Integrated Care for Older People" (ICOPE) model developed by the WHO. She uses the ICOPE model as a framework for elderly health assessment and develops rapid screening tools to evaluate health needs, promoting independent living and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Since PolyU promoted this model in 2023, hundreds of students and community personnel have been trained to use it.

Her interdisciplinary research team, covering nursing, medical engineering, and speech therapy, encourages early detection and intervention through standardised assessments.

Prof. Leung’s team has introduced AI companion robots to alleviate loneliness and depression in elderly individuals living alone and patients with mild cognitive impairment through music and interactive forms.

AI-assisted research on dysphagia

PolyU has achieved significant research outcomes in speech therapy, particularly for patients with dysphagia. Professor Elaine Kwong Yee-lan, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing, is dedicated to researching the application of ultrasound imaging technology in swallowing assessments. She utilises portable ultrasound equipment and AI algorithms to make swallowing assessments possible in the community or at home, reducing the reliance on X-ray imaging or invasive endoscopic examinations for the elderly, obtaining more timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments. To date, over 450 speech therapists and other healthcare professionals have been trained, and ultrasound swallowing assessments have been practically applied to patients.

Prof. Kwong Yee-lan (right) utilises portable ultrasound equipment and AI algorithms to conduct swallowing assessments, obtaining more timely and accurate diagnoses and treatment.

A vision to cultivate healthcare professionals

PolyU achieves interdisciplinary collaboration in gerontechnology and smart ageing healthcare, driving significant medical innovation and research development. With over 45 years of experience in nurturing more than 50,000 graduates across various healthcare disciplines, PolyU is confident in leveraging its strengths to nurture medical talents with clinical, research, and AI knowledge. Having submitted its proposal to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, PolyU aims to support future medical education and specialist training to meet the healthcare needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.