Falls among older adults represent a growing public health challenge, often triggering a downhill trajectory toward severe physical impairment, loss of independence, and long-term care needs.

In Hong Kong, Department of Health statistics reveal that approximately 16% of community-dwelling seniors experience at least one fall each year, with one in ten cases resulting in fractures. Beyond physical injuries, fractures frequently lead to functional disability, reduced mobility, and a heightened fear of falling, often discouraging older adults from participating in social activities. As the population ages rapidly, addressing fall-related risks has become an urgent societal necessity.

To tackle this challenge at its root, PolyU has launched the Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme, a ground-breaking 45-month initiative supported by a generous donation of over HK$119 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Spearheaded by PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences in collaboration with five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the initiative is Hong Kong’s first community fall-management project that uniquely integrates judo-based safe landing techniques with scientific insights into the biomechanics of falling.

Representatives from the Government, PolyU, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and community partners officiated at the launch ceremony of the Jockey Club SafeMove Fall Management Programme.

Designed to benefit around 17,000 older adults aged 60 or above, the Programme aims to shift Hong Kong’s public health model from reactive care to proactive prevention. Participants undergo bone density screening and advanced AI-driven fall-risk assessments developed by PolyU, evaluating functional indicators such as walking speed and sit-to-stand performance to identify those with moderate to high fall risk.

Eligible participants are invited to join a 12-week fall-preparedness training scheme jointly designed by PolyU researchers and professional judo coaches. Led by certified trainers and physiotherapy assistants, the 24-session course systematically guides participants from floor-based rolling to standing-landing protection skills. Participants learn how to tuck their chins, rotate their bodies and land on soft tissue to absorb impact safely. They are also taught to use their forearms and palms to dissipate force during a fall. These techniques help reduce injury severity and lower the risk of fractures. More importantly, the programme focuses not only on preventing falls but also on teaching older adults how to fall safely when a fall becomes unavoidable, turning a moment of vulnerability into an opportunity for self-protection.

By translating cutting-edge rehabilitation science and biomechanics into accessible primary healthcare services, the programme demonstrates how research can be transformed into tangible community benefits.

“This Programme reflects PolyU’s commitment to translating research outcomes into meaningful social impact,” said Dr Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU. “By bringing together scientific research, professional services and community networks, we hope to create lasting benefits for older adults and the wider community.”

The research team anticipates that the Programme will not only reduce fall-related injuries and healthcare expenditure but also alleviate the psychological burden on older adults, enabling them to enjoy safe, active, and independent ageing. By empowering older adults with the confidence and skills to protect themselves, the Programme represents a meaningful step towards building a healthier and more age-friendly community.