Aging in Place: Introduction to Gerontechnology for Elder Care in Hong Kong

By: Fion Yu

What is Gerontechnology?

With no doubt, one of the major global concerns is the aging population. Gerontechnology, the intersection of gerontology and technology, aims to improve the quality of life and independence for seniors through advanced technological products. These products not only enhance the daily lives of older adults but also provide assistance and peace of mind for their carers. In this article, we'll explore common gerontechnology products in the market, and where you can find them.

Gerontechnology Development in Hong Kong

Aging population concerns in Hong Kong are the same, we also saw the increasing interest and investment in developing gerontechnology. The Gerontechnology and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) is one of the largest gerontechnology public education programs in Hong Kong annually. This year’s Expo will be held from 21-24 November 2024. Carers are recommended to visit the Expo to explore the different gerontechnology products categories to test trial them live, to get advice from product specialists on which products suit you the best and even attend workshops shared by keynote speakers on the latest development of gerontechnology.

Common Gerontechnology Products Available in the Market

1. Wearable Health Tech Devices

Smartwatches and fitness trackers often have features of heart rate monitoring, sleep patterns, fall detection, and medication reminders. They can often sync with smartphones that allow carers and healthcare providers to monitor seniors' health in real-time. Other more specialized health monitoring devices include non-invasive glucose meters, blood pressure monitors and smart medication dispensers that help to schedule and deliver medication with just a button. These devices can reduce carers' burden of constantly checking the older adults’ health condition manually. Fall detection devices or wearable sensors also helps to automatically alert carers and emergency services to ensure timely assistance.Such monitoring features are especially beneficial to carers who do not stay in the same apartment with their older family members or for those who do not live in the same city with them. 

2. Anti-wandering Monitoring Systems

Monitoring devices with GPS tracker function is ideal for older adults with dementia, as this can help to monitor the location and reduce the risk of wandering and getting lost. 

3. Bathing Assistance Equipment

Assisting disabled older adults to bathe can be challenging, time-consuming and risky. Research found that bathing takes more than an hour per day, and many carers suffer from strain and back injuries when they are getting older adults into and out of the shower. Having a mobile commode shower chair at home not only eases carers’ pressure to assist them to shower or to use the toilet, but also helps older adults to regain showering autonomy. 

4. Transfer Support

If older adults have difficulties moving around at home, having a functional electric transfer chair, of which its backrest and footrest is adjustable, allow the chair to be totally flat or under horizontal position. This can allow older adults to move comfortably and safely between locations such as bed to wheelchair or toilet, and also minimize carers’ physical effort and reduce the risk of injury and strain during transfers.

5. Hearing Aid

It is important to keep older adults connected with their families, old friends and social communities to ensure mental well-being. Noting that they might have deteriorating hearing abilities, the usage of hearing aids could help. The newly developed hearing aids provide even more functions than the traditional ones, such as sound amplifiers, reducing the harsh whistling sound, could be rather transparent in the ear loop or with neck-hanging design which are both comfortable to wear and easy to use. Some aids also support phone call answering, music and radio listening in one device. 

Purchase or Rental Services of Gerontechnology Products 

Below are various options for purchasing or renting gerontechnology products in Hong Kong:

1. Jockey Club “age at home” Gerontech Education and Rental Service i

• Website:  https://ageathome.hk/zh
• Overview: This pilot aims to enhance the knowledge and applications of gerontechnology and promotes ageing in place by offering a one-stop education and rental service. 

2. HealthCare Equipment Rental Service by The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

• Website:  https://www.rehabaidsociety.org.hk/en/rehabilitation-equipment/loan-service
• Overview: The service offers a range of medical equipment and devices for rent, including mobility aids and health monitoring tools.

3. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service’s Gerontechnology Platform 

• Website:   https://gtplatform.hk/ 
• Overview: The platform offers comprehensive gerontechnology products catalog and carers may find the manufacturers or suppliers within each product introduction.

Explore the World of Gerontechnology

Gerontechnology is revolutionizing the way we care for our aging population, enhancing safety, health, independence, and social connectivity. Whether you're looking to purchase or rent these innovative solutions, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. By embracing gerontechnology, we can ensure a higher quality of life for our loved ones, enabling them to age well. Explore the world of gerontechnology and discover how these products can make a difference in the lives of your loved ones and your caregiving journey.