PolyU develops Hong Kong’s first screening tool to detect social frailty in seniors

Loneliness and social isolation are widely recognised as harmful to elders’ health, yet frontline care workers have long lacked a simple, objective way to identify those most at risk. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a set of community-based, preventive approaches to addressing social frailty among seniors, including a new screening tool and nature-based interventions in care facilities. This work responds directly to the Government’s policy shift from treatment towards prevention and community-based care. Social frailty refers to a state of vulnerability arising from a lack of social support, resources, connectedness and the fulfilment of basic needs. It is linked to poorer health and may increase the risk of physical frailty. Until now, the absence of standardised terminology and objective measurement tools has made these subjective experiences difficult to consistently assess. To close this gap, the team led by Prof. Jed MONTAYRE, Associate Head (Strategy) and Associate Professor of the School of Nursing, developed the Social Frailty 10-Item screening tool (SF-10). Brief in design for busy clinical settings, it helps enable frontline workers to identify at-risk older adults early and direct them to appropriate help. Supported by the General Research Fund of the Research Grants Council, the study was published in Contemporary Nurse, and social workers in non-governmental organisations and community clinics have already adopted the tool. Prof. Montayre said, “Recognising social frailty as a risk factor opens up a more holistic understanding of ageing. It positions social well-being on par with physical health, acknowledging that the two are inextricably linked and that addressing social risks can profoundly improve overall health outcomes.” In developing SF-10, the team used a co-design approach to make it both rigorous and non-stigmatising, conducting two rounds of workshops with 40 diverse stakeholders, including older adults, family caregivers, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses and doctors. 234 community-dwelling seniors were evaluated with the resulting tool, which demonstrated promising reliability and validity, with further validation currently under way. SF-10 assesses five domains: general resources, social participation, social connections, interpersonal relationships and self-management. Each is rated on a five-point scale, with higher scores signalling greater risk. The results guide practical next steps: low scores for general resources can trigger referral to financial or healthcare support, while low social participation scores can point individuals towards community programmes or social prescribing  — a holistic approach promoted by the World Health Organisation of referring people to non-medical community activities to improve their well-being. “SF-10 serves as a practical instrument for longitudinal care tracking in fast-paced environments like primary care, community services and home-based care, providing a solid foundation for social prescribing,” said Prof. Montayre. “By administering periodic screening, care networks can track how an individual’s social risk profile changes over time. We hope it will eventually become a standardised assessment across Hong Kong.” In related work that reinforces the importance of social connectedness, Prof. Montayre’s team also conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of nature-based interventions for reducing agitation in older people with dementia in care settings. Drawing on global evidence from both direct nature experiences, such as garden visits, and indirect exposures, such as circadian lighting, natural sounds or scents, it identifies physical settings and social interaction as the two critical drivers of clinical effectiveness. The relevant work is published in Healthcare.    Indoor interventions proved more effective than outdoor ones, while interventions involving social interaction outperformed those without. Notably, unregulated outdoor stimulation sometimes had negative effects, demonstrating that environmental designs must keep residents of care facilities engaged but not overwhelmed. “Non-pharmacological measures such as nature-based interventions can enhance social well-being and help prevent social frailty, particularly among those experiencing cognitive decline,” Prof. Montayre noted. “Having the space to socialise through such programmes significantly enhances social connectedness among older adults.” The findings offer practical solutions for high-density cities like Hong Kong, laying the groundwork for future dementia-friendly design guidelines. Because individuals with dementia respond differently depending on their tolerance for stimulation, Prof. Montayre stressed that environmental support must be tailored to the person. The research team is continuing to expand validation of SF-10 and to work with community partners to translate these findings into routine practice, contributing to a more preventive, sustainable and person-oriented model of care for Hong Kong’s ageing population.

PolyU develops Hong Kong’s first AI agent and risk prediction model for precision diabetes management, with patient recruitment in New Territories West starting in early July

A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully developed Hong Kong’s first “AI Agent for Precision Diabetes Management – PIPE-AI” (AI Agent), designed specifically for Asian populations, together with a related disease risk prediction model. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale local electronic health data, the system can more accurately predict the risk of deterioration of complications such as chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years, enabling healthcare professionals and patients to intervene early and improve disease management. The research findings have been published in the leading international journal npj Digital Medicine. To promote the technology’s wider application in the community, the PolyU research team has partnered with the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare of the Hospital Authority’s New Territories West Cluster, as well as the Yuen Long District Health Centre, to recruit patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in New Territories West from early July to participate in a clinical study of the AI Agent system. Participants will experience personalised risk assessment and health management recommendations firsthand. The study is funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common and serious complications of type 2 diabetes. As its early symptoms are often not obvious, it is commonly referred to as a “silent killer”. Without early detection and treatment, the condition may progress to uraemia, requiring long-term dialysis or even kidney transplantation. According to local data, the prevalence of diabetes among people aged 65 to 84 is as high as 19%. Diabetes and its complications not only affect patients’ quality of life but also place a heavy burden on families and the public healthcare system. At present, many chronic kidney disease risk prediction models have been developed primarily based on Western population data and may not be fully applicable to Asian populations. A multidisciplinary team led by Prof. YANG Lin, Professor of the School of Nursing at PolyU, used 17 years of electronic health records from the Hospital Authority Data Collaboration Laboratory, covering more than 560,000 diabetes patients, to develop an AI prediction model that is more suitable for Asian populations and which achieves an accuracy rate of 87.1%. The model can analyse patients’ health data and estimate their future risk of developing diabetic complications such as kidney disease, helping healthcare professionals make earlier clinical judgements and arrange follow-up care. In addition to the risk prediction model, the research team has also developed an AI Agent as a “clinical interface” to address the challenge of translating data into concrete action. Focusing on diabetes and complication management, the AI Agent can convert complex medical information into language that is easier for patients to understand, helping them better grasp their health conditions while improving communication between patients and healthcare professionals. The system can be applied in four major scenarios: supporting family medicine and primary healthcare in preliminary screening and risk stratification; assisting specialist outpatient clinics in making more precise referrals for high-risk or complex cases; supporting district health centres in providing 24-hour health consultation services; and helping patients manage their own health, including through diet control, exercise, timely medication adherence and recording of health indicators. To ensure the safety of the system in clinical use, the research team has incorporated a nurse oversight mechanism. When the AI detects abnormal risk levels or important health alerts, the system will automatically notify a registered nurse for further review and follow-up, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of the system’s application. Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, Chair Professor of Neuropsychology at PolyU, said, “Diabetes management is not only about treating a single disease, but is also closely related to the long-term allocation of healthcare resources and public health strategy. By translating advanced AI technology into a tool for clinical application, the PolyU research team has extended risk prediction capabilities, which were previously largely confined to hospitals, to primary healthcare and community services. This will help allocate healthcare resources more precisely and drive a shift in the healthcare model from ‘passive treatment’ to ‘proactive prevention’, which in the long run is expected to alleviate the healthcare burden posed by chronic diseases in Hong Kong.” Prof. Yang Lin said, “The patient recruitment programme in New Territories West, launched in early July, marks an important step in bringing smart healthcare into the community in a tangible way. Looking ahead, the team will further integrate imaging and wearable device data to enhance predictive accuracy and will promote the integration of the model into electronic health record systems and district health centre platforms. The initiative will also be expanded to cover other related chronic disease areas, such as the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, so that more members of the public can benefit.”

PolyU launches AI-enhanced gamified auditory-cognitive training system in local communities, providing innovative homecare solutions for underprivileged older adults with hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss is very prevalent in older adults and is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Funded by the Fu Tak Iam Foundation Limited, the School of Nursing (SN) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed the AI-enhanced Gamified Auditory-Cognitive Dual-Task Training System 2.0 (the System) that addresses hearing loss and dementia risk with an integrated innovative solution. In partnership with the Community CareAge Foundation (CCAF), the System has been incorporated into a three-year, territory-wide service under CCAF's CareAge Hearing Programme and is expected to benefit around 2,400 underprivileged older adults in Hong Kong. A launch ceremony for the System was held today at the PolyU campus. It was officiated by Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS); Prof. Janelle YORKE, Head of SN; Ms Yuki NG, Philanthropy Manager of the Fu Tak Iam Foundation Limited; Dr CHAN Wah-fat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CCAF; and Mr LEUNG Chun-hong, Chief Executive of CCAF. Project leader Prof. Ivy Yan ZHAO, Assistant Professor of SN and a member of the PolyU Research Institute for Smart Ageing, and other members of her research team also attended the event to celebrate the official launch of the System in local communities. Prof. David Shum said that the System exemplified PolyU and FHSS's commitment to improving healthy ageing through interdisciplinary research and public engagement. Prof. Janelle Yorke also expressed her delight at the successful transfer of SN's research outcomes to community application. She noted that the official launch of the System marked a shift towards smart management of hearing and cognitive health for older adults living at home, bringing new momentum to the enhancement of homecare services for the elderly. Dr Chan Wah-fat remarked that the collaboration between PolyU and CCAF had bridged a service gap in community healthcare. Mr Leung Chun-hong then introduced the CareAge Hearing Programme, which offers comprehensive hearing screening, specialist consultations, personalised care plans and hearing aids. It will also provide service recipients with free access to the System, aiming to further improve hearing care and address financial, informational and attitudinal barriers to care services facing older adults. Breaking away from the traditional clinical approach of treating the ear and brain separately, the System focuses on the synergy between ear and brain and provides older adults with hearing loss with 12-week auditory-cognitive dual-task training. Incorporating everyday scenarios, the training combines speech-in-noise listening, rapid speech comprehension and competing-speaker tasks with cognitive games which target attention, memory, executive function and visuospatial skills. These tasks are designed to strengthen ear-brain connection, thereby simultaneously enhancing older adults' cognitive and daily listening abilities. The 2.0 version of the System has been upgraded with AI technologies, enabling personalised listening materials based on users' preferences, hearing abilities and training progress. The AI-enhanced System is also equipped with intelligent functions such as speech recognition, automated spoken-response assessment, real-time feedback and interactive progress assessment, improving user engagement and training effectiveness. At the ceremony, Prof. Ivy Zhao introduced the System's functionalities and its clinical application outcomes. Data have shown that older adults who trained with the System demonstrated significant improvements in concentration, memory and mental clarity, as well as reduced hearing-related handicap. An elderly user shared that the training had not only deepened her understanding of her own hearing loss but also improved her quality of daily life. In particular, in noisy environments such as near roads, she is now better able to clearly perceive surrounding sounds and subtle changes, greatly enhancing her safety and alertness. Prof. Ivy Zhao introduced the System’s functionalities and its clinical application outcomes. Under the CareAge Hearing Programme, the AI-enhanced Gamified Auditory-Cognitive Dual-Task Training System 2.0 will be available free of charge for a three-year period to home-dwelling elderly persons aged 60 or above who meet financial eligibility criteria. The SN team will set up a support counter at CCAF's CareAge Health Centre to provide older adults with installation assistance, user training, in-person technical support and a telephone hotline.  

PolyU Community Mental Health Support Programme Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony Concluded Successfully

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has dedicated significant efforts to supporting residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. The School of Nursing formed a multidisciplinary volunteer team, mobilising faculty members, students and alumni to reach out to the community, offering tangible assistance and mental-health support to residents. In recognition of the team’s selfless contributions, the School organised a Community Mental Health Support Programme Volunteer Appreciation event on 30 April, aiming to encourage the University community to leverage its expertise and strengths for the benefit of society. The Ceremony was held on the PolyU campus and officiated by Dr LAM Ching-Choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH) and Non-Official Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Horace LIT, Executive Manager, Charities (Health; Older Adults) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) of PolyU; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); and Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS). During his speech, Prof. Daniel Shek said, "We offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the residents of Wang Fuk Court. In the face of adversity, our community has come together to demonstrate care and resilience. It is truly moving to see the projects' implementation today as an excellent demonstration of PolyU's motto: 'To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind'. We have always believed that academic excellence only finds its true meaning through civic responsibility and compassionate action." Prof. David Shum remarked, "The Community Mental Health Support Programme has demonstrated the power of collaboration, bringing together healthcare professionals, community partners, housing-site operators and volunteers to provide holistic care." The PolyU volunteer team comprised over 100 FHSS alumni—including psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers—exemplifying the University’s strong interdisciplinary strengths. In addition to distributing over 1,000 relief supply packages to affected residents, the volunteers leveraged their professional expertise to offer immediate and comprehensive health, emotional and social support in helping affected residents to rebuild their lives. Prof. Vivian HUI, Assistant Professor of the School of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Support Programme Leader and a member at ACMH, expressed her gratitude to the volunteers for their professional support and selfless contributions. She said, "We are grateful for the support of the PolyU team that includes professionals from different fields. They have leveraged their knowledge and rich experience to give back to society. With their shared efforts, we have been able to provide residents with timely and comprehensive care, addressing their physical, psychological and social needs. The Programme also equipped the team with valuable hands-on experience, further enhancing their professional competencies and fostering personal growth." Since mid-December last year, the School of Nursing has partnered with seven government and non-governmental organisations to organise volunteer visits to 12 rehousing sites, including transitional housing and residential units managed by the Hong Kong Housing Society, providing support to over 1,200 residents. Over the past three months, the volunteer team has addressed residents’ needs through community outreach. Occupational therapists offered advice on lifestyle adjustment and routine reconstruction by, for example, enhancing fall-prevention awareness among older adults in response to changes in their home and living environments. Social workers advised residents on essential coping skills to help them manage the challenges brought about by life changes while maintaining mental well-being as they integrate into new communities. Psychiatric nurses identified residents experiencing negative emotions, insomnia or related difficulties, and provided counselling and follow-up support. In view of the significant impact of the first Community Mental Health Support Programme, the Programme will continue in 2026-2027. This new phase will focus on monitoring and provide transitional mental health support for residents through a tiered-service model, while also formulating long-term mental health support strategies through data analysis. The aim is to strengthen society’s resilience in navigating major incidents in the future. To date, around 300 residents have completed comprehensive mental health screenings. The team has also organised 10 workshops on topics such as insomnia and psychological resilience, and has referred more than 10 cases to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness for follow-up. Three volunteers representing psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers, respectively, together with a housing operator from the Hong Kong Housing Society, shared their service experiences.   The PolyU multidisciplinary volunteer team posed for a group photo.

PolyU Nursing Ranks 18th in QS 2026, Maintaining Its Strong Position in the Top Nursing Schools Worldwide

PolyU Nursing continues to stand as one of Hong Kong's leading institutions for nursing education, according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject (Nursing) 2026. The School's nursing programme has shown consistent advancement across multiple global benchmarks, reaching 18th worldwide, ranking second in Hong Kong, and securing a top position among nursing schools in Asia.   Prof. Janelle YORKE, Chair Professor of Nursing and Head of the School of Nursing at PolyU, stated, "These rankings reflect the School's internationally recognised strengths in nursing research, leadership, and clinical practice. Our continued rise demonstrates that our faculty and students are truly driving meaningful contributions to the nursing profession—enhancing the health and wellbeing of people in Hong Kong and far beyond. We remain committed to attracting the most capable and promising talent to our nursing programmes. Through deep partnerships with industry across education, research, and patient care, we empower our students to grow into the visionary nursing leaders of the future. I extend my sincere appreciation and congratulations to our dedicated academic staff for creating an enriching and supportive learning environment, and for producing innovative, practice-transforming research."   The QS World University Rankings by Subject identify the world's top-performing universities across a wide range of academic disciplines. They serve as a guide for prospective students seeking leading institutions in their chosen fields, with results based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact. Data source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/nursing

PolyU School of Nursing win one Bronze in QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025

Winning a Bronze Award in the Nurturing Values and Ethics category, the project "vCare: A Multiplayer Metaverse Game for Interprofessional Healthcare Education" (vCare) is spearheaded by Dr Kitty CHAN, Associate Professor of Practice of the School of Nursing, and her team. Grounded in self-determination theory, the team has developed a metaverse educational game to foster students’ autonomy, competence and relatedness. vCare is a multiplayer online role‑playing game in which students navigate customisable virtual clinical environments, solo or collaboratively, on scenario-based missions. Its gamified design features interactive elements such as knowledge checks, leaderboards and peer recognition. Supporting up to 100 participants in small-group game rooms, the game brings together students from different health professions — such as nursing, rehabilitation and radiography — to collaborate in the virtual space, allowing them to understand other professional perspectives, values and ethical stands, learn to resolve team conflicts and build a strong ethical framework. The team is planning enhancements, including the inclusion of real cases, to further foster empathy inclusive and value‑driven healthcare education. Known as the "Oscars" of the education sector, the QS Reimagine Education Awards honour pioneering pedagogical approaches that improve student learning outcomes and employability. This year, the Awards attracted over 1,650 submissions worldwide, which were rigorously judged by more than 1,300 international experts in the higher education and educational technology sectors, with winners selected across 21 award categories.

PolyU School of Nursing co-hosts Sigma Asia Regional Conference 2025, bringing together experts from 19 countries and regions to advance digital health and AI in nursing

(5 December 2025) Global population ageing and the rising number of patients with chronic diseases are placing greater strain on healthcare systems; advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are creating new opportunities for the nursing profession. The Pi lota At-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma), led by the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and including the nursing schools of five other higher education institutions in Hong Kong, has joined forces with Sigma Asia to host the Sigma Asia Regional Conference 2025 on 5 and 6 December. Themed "Digital Health and AI in Nursing: Transforming Care Through Innovation", the Conference brings together over 550 nursing practitioners, researchers and scholars from 19 countries and regions. In his welcoming address, Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Yeung Tsang Wing Yee and Tsang Wing Hing Professor in Neuropsychology, and Chair Professor of Neuropsychology, stated, "Rapid technological advances are transforming healthcare and social services and necessitate a parallel evolution in the education and training of healthcare and social care professionals. To come up with innovative and impactful projects, we need to be creative and bold, also, interdisciplinary collaborations, hard work and resilience are necessary. Finally, we need support from the government, industry and the community." Prof. Janelle YORKE, Co-Chair of the Conference, Vice President of Pi lota At-Large Chapter, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Global STEM Professor, Head of the PolyU School of Nursing, Angel S.P. Chan Lau Professor in Health and Longevity, and Chair Professor of Nursing, said, "The PolyU School of Nursing is committed to leveraging emerging technologies to advance nursing education, research and practice. Hosting this conference further demonstrates the dedication of the School and the Pi Iota At-Large Chapter to remaining at the forefront of the nursing profession and leading industry development." Prof. Janet WONG, Co-Chair of the Conference, former President of Pi lota At-Large Chapter, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, said, "This conference gathers nursing educators, researchers and practitioners in the region to discuss key trends in the application of emerging technologies in healthcare. It also provides an opportunity to further consolidate and expand our networks with other chapters and regional bodies." The Conference features multiple keynote speakers: Prof. Sok Ying LIAW, Professor and Head of the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore; Prof. Michael Joseph DINO, Director of Research Development and Innovation at Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippines; Prof. Younhee KANG, Dean of the College of Nursing at Ewha Womans University, South Korea; Dr Kathleen MCGROW, Chief Nursing Innovation Officer at Microsoft; Prof. Zhiwen WANG, Professor of the School of Nursing at Peking University; and Dr Huyen Thi Hoa NGUYEN, Director of the Nursing Program at VinUniversity, Vietnam. Their sessions highlight key trends and issues related to emerging technologies and explore their impacts on nursing practice and workforce, healthcare education and research. Sigma is dedicated to cultivating professional nursing communities worldwide and advancing nursing knowledge, teaching and service through education, research and practice. The Pi Iota Chapter was founded by the PolyU School of Nursing in 2000. It evolved to become an At-large Chapter in 2021, which comprises the six nursing schools from higher education institutions in Hong Kong: PolyU School of Nursing; the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Hong Kong Metropolitan University; The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; the School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong; the School of Nursing at Tung Wah College; and the Division of Nursing Education at the School of Continuing Education of Hong Kong Baptist University. ***END***

PolyU School of Nursing welcomes WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific to advance healthy ageing initiative

(10 September 2025) As the global population ages, ensuring the health and well-being of older adults has become a key priority. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) School of Nursing, serving as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, welcomed Dr Saia Ma'u PIUKALA, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, for a visit to strengthen regional partnerships in promoting healthy ageing and advancing community-based integrated care for older populations. During his visit to PolyU, Dr Piukala emphasised three key objectives: promoting healthy ageing, enhancing regional collaboration and empowering communities. He stated, "Our partnership with PolyU's WHO Collaborating Centre is pivotal in addressing the needs of ageing populations in the Western Pacific. By advancing tools like the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) 2.0, we empower communities to deliver sustainable, equitable care for older adults, ensuring they thrive in their later years." Prof. Ben YOUNG, PolyU Vice President (Student and Global Affairs), said, "We are honoured to host Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala with a view to furthering our shared mission of transforming elder care. PolyU School of Nursing's leadership in person-centered care, supported by innovative research and educational resources, positions us to drive meaningful change in healthy ageing across the region." Led by Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services at PolyU, the School is advancing ICOPE 2.0 to enhance early identification and intervention for older adults. Prof. Leung remarked, "ICOPE 2.0 streamlines assessments and interventions, enabling timely support for older adults and their caregivers. With the HKSAR Government's emphasis on caregiver support, this framework aligns with our commitment to sustainable, community-driven care." To support the adoption of ICOPE 2.0, the WHO Collaborating Centre has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials, including a promotional video featuring real-life case studies. The Centre has also recently organised training programmes in Mainland China, Fiji, Cambodia and the Philippines, reaching over 6,000 participants through 54 webinars from 2021 to 2024. These initiatives foster cross-regional knowledge exchange and strengthen community-based care models. Dr Piukala's visit also included discussions on geriatric medicine, mental health, smart ageing technologies and evidence-based policies, further reinforcing PolyU's role as a global leader in ageing and health research. ***END***

PolyU Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme 2025 nurtures next generation of innovative research talent

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to fostering the holistic development of young people, providing diverse and enriching learning opportunities to nurture innovative research talent with a global perspective. PolyU held the fifth “Junior Researcher Mentoring Programme” (JRMP), attracting 147 high school students from 97 local and international schools. Under the guidance of around 70 PolyU academics from various faculties, schools and departments, the students participated in a series of impactful research projects. Under the guidance of academics from the PolyU School of Nursing, a team of eight students from Shatin Pui Ying College, Immaculate Heart of Mary College, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong, ESF Sha Tin College, The Independent Schools Foundation Academy, Hong Kong University Graduate Association College, Valtorta College and Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School conducted research on “Youth mental health and resilience.” They completed the “Mission ReST” resilience-building programme offered by the PolyU ReST Hub, gaining an understanding of how to build resilience. The team designed an innovative solution beyond the existing framework by combining environmental adaptation and gamification elements, creating a relaxed environment and interactive experiences to help young people enhance their resilience. They said, “Through the Programme, we learnt about conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, taking part in questionnaire design, and data collection and analysis. Participating in the research process not only enhanced our practical research skills, but also deepened our understanding of mental health and the importance of building resilience. Please visit here for full article.

PolyU School of Nursing hosts Healthy Ageing Conference 2025, experts from 15 countries and regions join forces to promote healthy ageing

(29 May 2025) The world is facing the challenge of an ageing population, making the maintenance of health and quality of life for the elderly an urgent issue. As a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Community Health Service, the School of Nursing at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the PolyU Research Institute of Smart Ageing (RISA), is hosting the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 from 29 – 30 May. The conference aims to promote healthy ageing efforts in the Western Pacific region and beyond, bringing together over 200 experts from 15 countries and regions. Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, stated that the conference provides a platform for policymakers, the healthcare industry, academics, and stakeholders to jointly promote healthy ageing. He said, "With PolyU’s extensive experience in the education of healthcare professionals, we have submitted a forward-looking and innovative proposal to the Government for the establishment of Hong Kong’s third medical school, aiming to leverage the University’s robust capabilities in medical science, medicine and engineering integration, and AI-driven medicine to nurture a new generation of medical doctors who are socially responsible and technologically proficient." Ms Xinjie QI, Second Class Counsel (Deputy Director-General Level) of the Department of Ageing and Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, stated in her speech that China and the WHO have conducted a series of collaborations on integrated medical and elderly care, the establishment of age-friendly medical institutions, and the development of geriatric medicine, achieving positive results. She expressed willingness to strengthen exchanges with other countries and share innovative experiences. She also emphasised that advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a national strategy, and the National Health Commission will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as healthy ageing.  Dr Libby LEE, the Acting Secretary for Health of the Government of HKSAR, stated that the HKSAR Government is actively reforming the healthcare system, including enhancing the primary healthcare services. As outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint released in December 2022, the Government’s strategy adopts a prevention-focused, community-based approach. It aims at supporting and equipping people to lead a healthy life in the community, thereby improving the overall health status of the population. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange across healthcare disciplines, experience sharing, partnership building, as well as innovative solutions exploration. It definitely will contribute to the enhancement of the wellbeing of older persons in Hong Kong and beyond. Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), reaffirmed that the conference offered an exceptional platform for policymakers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, and academics to come together and address the pressing trends and challenges related to population ageing in the region. He stated, "PolyU’s School of Nursing made significant efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of enhancing healthy ageing." In 2019, WHO introduced the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, transitioning from a disease-centred approach to one that assesses the intrinsic capacities of older adults—encompassing both physical and mental abilities. This comprehensive, person-centred model is designed to identify early signs of decline in intrinsic capacity, enabling timely interventions to mitigate, halt, or reverse frailty and dependence in older individuals. Building on expert feedback and the latest research, WHO has recently launched ICOPE 2.0, featuring the following key enhancements: Inclusion of Three Essential Factors in Ageing: In addition to evaluating six intrinsic capacities—cognition, mobility, nutrition, vision, hearing, and mental health—ICOPE 2.0 now incorporates "urinary incontinence management", "social care and support", "carer support" and vaccination advocacy, thus providing a more accurate representation of older adults' health status and quality of life. Introduction of Three Filter Questions: To streamline the assessment process for cognitive, hearing, and vision capabilities, a rapid screening system has been established. If an older adult responds "yes" to any of these questions, they will be referred directly for a comprehensive evaluation. Provision of Immediate Recommendations and Interventions: Following the completion of the ICOPE 2.0 assessment, the responsible assessor is equipped to offer tailored health advice and community support based on the individual needs of the older adult. Prof. Angela LEUNG, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services, remarked, "ICOPE 2.0 enhances the entire assessment and intervention process, facilitating the early identification of older adults in need of support and care. This approach helps to mitigate or slow the decline in quality of life associated with ageing. Additionally, the HKSAR Government has been actively reinforcing support for caregivers in recent years, which aligns seamlessly with the inclusion of caregiver elements in ICOPE 2.0. This underscores the importance of recognising that caring for older adults involves not only the individuals themselves but also the necessity of bolstering support for caregivers, as this is crucial for sustainable solutions." To enhance the understanding of ICOPE 2.0 among healthcare professionals and stakeholders in elder care, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services has developed comprehensive online and offline educational materials for ICOPE 2.0, with a training video premiered at the conference. The video not only elucidates the ICOPE 2.0 framework but also demonstrates its application through real-life case studies. Additionally, the conference featured an ICOPE Community Practice Workshop which attracted experts from various countries to explore the updates in the new version, share insights, and discuss community application strategies. This initiative aims to benefit older adults globally and foster cross-regional knowledge sharing and technology transfer. Beyond promoting the implementation of ICOPE 2.0 in communities, the conference addressed a variety of topics related to healthy ageing, including policies on elderly health, technological innovations, and the latest developments in community care. Key areas of focus encompassed geriatric medicine, mental health, and smart ageing technologies, while also highlighting the latest research findings and practical examples of ageing studies from the Western Pacific region. Prof. Leung envisioned that the conference and resource-sharing initiatives will inspire more community organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to actively promote healthy ageing initiatives. The School of Nursing at PolyU will continue to uphold its leadership role as a WHO Collaborating Centre, driving the development and implementation of innovative solutions for elder health, thereby making a significant contribution to the global goal of achieving healthy ageing. ***END*** About the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services at the School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Since December 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the School of Nursing of Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services (WHO CC). Committed to advancing the WHO’s mission, the School actively promotes evidence-based community health services, aiming to enhance health outcomes at local, regional, and global levels. In 2023, the School was redesignated by WHO, with a focus on key indicators related to ageing and health. It is dedicated to promoting and implementing the WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) guidelines, while also providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration to foster initiatives in healthy ageing. About the Healthy Ageing Conference 2025 The theme of the conference is "Progressing the Healthy Ageing Agenda: Translating and Implementing Healthy Ageing Programmes and Initiatives in Our Communities." Organised by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Health Services (WHO CC) at the School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this event is strongly supported by the Title Sponsor, AIA Hong Kong, which is committed to empowering people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. The conference aims to unite stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and other relevant individuals from around the globe to collaboratively advance the healthy ageing agenda. By translating and implementing healthy ageing programs and initiatives across the region, the conference aspires to contribute to the United Nations' Decade of Healthy Ageing goals. For more information, please visit the official conference website: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/hac2025.