Featured Report

Achieving Wellness for Elderly Population

The Community Sports Club Management Development Programme Advanced Course Sharing cum Graduation Ceremony for 2013-2014 was held successfully on 2 March. On the day, other than having students share their practical experiences, Professor Frank Fu of Hong Kong Baptist University also gave a seminar on how to "achieving wellness for elderly population". The following is excerpts of the speech.

Professor Frank Fu, Hong Kong Baptist University

What is wellness? Wellness is a state of physical and mental balance. In addition to the pursuit of a robust physique, it also requires a healthy mind and spirit, concern for family and friends in a social context and development of friendships with others. Only in this way can we achieve a healthy and high-quality life.

To achieve wellness for elderly population means being able to grow old while maintaining a quality lifestyle in the aging population conditions of today. Our years as an old person are an important stage of life as we will undergo significant physiological and psychological changes, our physical functions will continually decrease, and we may develop symptoms of hypertension, osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries, etc. If we already lack exercise, are fat, have high stress in life, or if we have a habit of smoking or drinking, when coupled with the effects of medicines and genetics, it will be more likely for us to develop various diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, lung disease, cancer, cerebral thrombosis and cerebral hemorrhage. Diseases are strongly linked to poor lifestyle and a lack of knowledge about health care. Health education will allow the elderly to understand diseases and their own physical condition. When coupled with appropriate medical treatment, this will help to improve their self-care ability and quality of life, which will give them a healthy body and mind.

To have good health, we must develop good habits such as eating a balanced diet and paying attention to personal hygiene. In addition, exercising appropriately can delay physical and mental decline, improve your mental state and add fun to your life. Seniors can do some simple exercises such as fitness walking, hiking or Tai Chi. When exercising, it is important to pay attention to your limits and take it step by step so you don’t make it too intense. More importantly, you should get regular check-ups to take note of the signs given out by your body. If something is wrong, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Medical science is so advanced nowadays and technological advances are constantly being made, so humans can live a lot longer now. An aging population is a trend in Hong Kong now and the average life expectancy of Hong Kong men is 84 years old and 88 years for women, thus ranking Hong Kong among the highest in the world. To achieve wellness for elderly population, seniors should engage in a suitable amount of exercise and recreational activities, keep in contact with friends and family and their community, broaden their social circle and face changes with an optimistic attitude. Coupled with our care and concern, seniors can also have a healthy and happy life and enjoy their old age!

Professor Fu with the graduates and tutors of the Community Sports Club Management Development Programme Advanced Course

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has always organized a range of diverse and suitable sports and recreational activities for the elderly through its Leisure Services Office in the 18 districts. These activities include Baduanjin, Tai Chi, swimming, social dance, gateball, and fitness walking to give the elderly the chance to “achieving wellness for elderly population”. Details of the activities can be found on the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk) or by making an enquiry with the customer hotline (tel: 2414 5555).