In June, EdUHK hosted its second ‘Elderly One-Day University Student Experiential Programme’. The initiative welcomed 40 elderly participants from the Tai Po District to immerse themselves in university life, enabling them to experience the joy of continuous learning first-hand.
Part of the ‘EdUHK SDG Living Lab @ Tai Po – Community Well-being’, the event was jointly organised with local Care Teams and supported by District Council members. The programme directly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on enhancing elderly health, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering community resilience. Through the broader Living Lab initiative, EdUHK has already helped over 1,700 elderly Tai Po residents complete cognitive screenings, using data and exercise workshops to address ageing challenges.
During their day as university students, the senior participants engaged in a variety of tech-driven and interactive activities. They toured advanced research hubs, including the University Research Facility of Human Behavioural Neuroscience and the Occupational Therapy Education and Research Centre, to see how modern medical technology promotes independent living. They also attended an interactive artificial intelligence (AI) class to explore everyday AI tools and the University's nutrition monitoring system. During the robotics session, the seniors gained hands-on experience with smart technology before testing their knowledge in a closing quiz.
The memorable day concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by government officials, district leaders, and university management, including EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin. In a touching finale, the participants donned traditional graduation gowns and mortarboards to receive certificates on stage. For many, this marked the very first time they had celebrated their own graduation rather than attending as spectators for their children, fulfilling their lifelong dreams.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural pilot, EdUHK plans to continue expanding these community education and health initiatives. By turning the campus into a vibrant platform for social inclusion, the University reinforces its core dedication to interdisciplinary development in educational technology, AI, and community well-being, ensuring that residents of all ages can keep pace with the times.
