HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – October 30, 2023 – Population aging is an urgent priority in the Western Pacific region, home to one of the largest and fastest growing older populations in the world. Recognizing the importance of this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken the initiative to develop an action plan for healthy aging for the region, aligned with the United Nations Decade for healthy aging (2021-2030). As part of these efforts, the Conference on Healthy Aging 2023 was successfully held in Hong Kong on October 26-27, 2023. The conference, organized by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Community Health Services, School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and co-organized by the Ministry of Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the research institute PolyU on Smart Aging and the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, has served as a crucial platform to address challenges and explore innovative solutions for healthy aging in the region.
Distinguished guests of the 2023 Healthy Aging Conference presided over the inaugural ceremony, symbolizing the collective commitment of conference participants to promote healthy aging in the Western Pacific region, in line with the Decade of Nations United for Healthy Aging (2021-2030).
The opening ceremony of the conference marked its official start, with esteemed speakers delivering their speeches.
Professor Jin-guang TENG, President of PolyU, welcomed participants and highlighted the central role of the conference in achieving the United Nations vision of healthy aging. “The conference aimed to address the multifaceted factors that influence the well-being of older adults and their families. It provided a platform to showcase cutting-edge gerontechnological innovations, discuss the latest interventions and advances in epidemiology, and identify strategies to implement WHO recommendations. elements for action.” » remarked Professor TENG.
Mr. ZHANG Hui, Advisor (DG level) of the Department of Aging and Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, stressed that healthy aging is the least expensive and most effective way to address population aging. The Chinese government has responded positively to the United Nations Decade on Healthy Aging (2021-2030). Mr. ZHANG stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange between mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao in various aspects such as scientific research, technologies, projects, standards, talents, services. and industries related to healthy aging and elder care. Mr. ZHANG Hui said: “The National Health Commission will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao in the field of healthy aging, learn from each other and complement each other’s advantages. »
Professor Chung-mau LO, Secretary of Health, HKSAR Government Health Bureau, stressed that the government recognizes the significant challenges posed by the rapid aging of the population. The government is committed to implementing comprehensive structural reform that will shift the health system from a treatment-oriented to a prevention-oriented approach, and shift service delivery from the hospital environment to the community environment . Professor LO said: “Our ultimate goal is to improve the overall health of the population, ensure accessible and integrated health services and establish a sustainable health system.
The 2023 Healthy Aging Conference organizing committee, along with representatives from the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific region, came together to address emerging trends and challenges related to aging in the world. population.
Dr Ronald LAM, Director of Health of the Ministry of Health of the HKSAR government, reiterated the HKSAR Government’s unwavering commitment to healthy aging. Dr LAM highlighted that a comprehensive policy on healthy aging has been formulated based on the recommendations of the Commission on Older Persons. Various programs aimed at promoting the well-being of older people are implemented by the Ministry of Health, including health education for all age groups, training of caregivers and supports the revitalization of health care services primaries. “Addressing the challenges of the silver tsunami would require not only cross-sectoral, but also international collaboration. Let us unite for the health and well-being of our elderly citizens. said Dr. LAM.
Dr Hiromasa OKAYASU, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO), reiterated that the conference provides an exceptional platform for policy makers, stakeholders, practitioners, researchers and academics to come together and address pressing trends and challenges related to population aging in the region. Dr OKAYASU said: “The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Nursing has made considerable efforts to facilitate a wide range of discussions, encompassing research and practical ideas, all with the aim of improving healthy aging.
Professor Angela Yee-man LEUNG, Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Community Health Services, PolyU School of Nursing, highlighted the widespread problem of declining intrinsic abilities among community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. “Efforts have been made to promote the adoption of the World Health Organization’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework in Hong Kong. This includes the provision of a comprehensive training program and an experience-sharing symposium, with the aim of facilitating the effective implementation of the ICOPE approach. We are particularly pleased to witness the successful trial of the ICOPE model by the Wong Tai Sin District Health Centre. said
Professor LEUNG.
Additionally, a webinar series titled “Making Room for Aging in the Western Pacific” has been held regularly since 2020. These webinars create a valuable platform for experts in the region to exchange knowledge and ideas on emerging trends , best practices and innovative solutions that promote healthy aging.
Professor LEUNG » added: “We are excited to foster a collaborative environment that facilitates knowledge sharing and encourages advancements in the field of healthy aging.
The 2023 Healthy Aging Conference represented an important milestone in the pursuit of healthy aging. By fostering collaboration, the exchange of views and ideas and the sharing of innovative approaches, the conference laid a solid foundation for the implementation of the Regional Action Plan for Healthy Aging. Ultimately, the goal is to realize the visions outlined in the United Nations Decade on Healthy Aging (2021-2030) and create a healthier and more inclusive future for older people and their communities.
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