In Hong Kong, one in five elderly persons aged 65 or above experiences an unexpected fall, according to the Department of Health. This widespread issue poses a challenge to both public healthcare resources and family well-being. To tackle this, PolyU’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) has partnered with community organisations to launch the “Better Ageing in Community Campaign”, bringing artificial intelligence (AI) to elderly care. The initiative aims to conduct comprehensive screenings for fall risks using RS-developed AI technology and provide fall prevention training, transforming academic innovation into practical community care.

The Campaign’s launch ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests including Mr Fletch Chan Wai-wai, Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the HKSAR, alongside Hon Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, Member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council; Ir Hon Lee Chun-keung, Member of the Legislative Council; Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping, Honorary Chairman of PolyU Court; Professor Ben Young, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs); Professor Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head, RS and Director of the University Research Facility in Behavioral and System Neuroscience, District Officers and PolyU representatives. The ceremony also marked the signing of memoranda of understanding between PolyU and participating community organisations, establishing a framework for future community initiatives.

At the heart of this initiative, experienced research and teaching teams from PolyU's RS guide physiotherapy and occupational therapy students to conduct comprehensive screenings for 2,500 elderly persons aged 60 and above. These assessments cover fall risk evaluation. Based on screening results, elderly persons identified with moderate fall risks will be invited to participate in rehabilitation training, while those at high risk will be referred to District Health Centres for further follow-up.

The programme has entered its initial phase, recruiting eligible elderly persons through participating community organisations, with plans for territory-wide expansion. RS at PolyU will compile and analyse the collected data to support the HKSAR Government in enhancing primary health care policies.