Press Release

The Elderly Resources Centre of Housing Society Undergone a Facelift to Provide New Experience of Gerontechnology for "Ageing in Place"

The "Elderly Resources Centre" (the Centre) of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) has been renovated and introduced more than a hundred gerontech products and facilities.  To be re-opened tomorrow (1 December), the Centre provides information and public education to advocate "ageing in place".  Members of the public can make visit appointments for free.

Occupying an area of about 5,800 square feet, the Centre is comprised of four zones.  Zone 1 is the "Innov-age Home" which showcases two age-friendly mock-up flats catered to the needs of people living in tiny flats in Hong Kong.  The flats are designed for elders with varied level of self-care capabilities.  Demonstrating advanced gerontech auxiliary devices and facilities, such as bedside monitoring system, electric swivel bed and 2-in-1 rollator cum wheelchair etc., these flats provide the visitors with a one-stop experience about creating an age-friendly living environment.  The design of "Innov-age Home" has made reference to the recommendations of users (elders and carers) and professionals (occupational therapist, interior designers and architects).  Visitors will also appreciate the features and applications of the facilities through interactive augmented reality (AR) game.

Zone 2 is the "Healthy Ageing Zone" which offers health screening tours in five different themes.  The elderly visitors will have a better understanding of their physical conditions during the guided tours.  Participants will also be given advices on health management and regular exercises according to individual conditions so as to establish healthy habits.

In Zone 3, the "Explor-age Zone", visitors can experience the daily challenge of the elderly through the virtual reality (VR) games about medicine management, exercise and daily scheduling, in order to learn how to help the elderly establish a healthy lifestyle.

In Zone 4, the "Consultation Room", there are occupational therapists and social workers providing home adaptation/modification consultation service, with the display of adjustable bathroom aids.  The occupational therapists will provide advices according to the needs of the elderly visitors and the care-givers.

HKHS Director (Property Management) Sanford Poon said, "Elderly housing and related services are among the core businesses of the Housing Society.  Set up in 2005, the Elderly Resources Centre has been the first of its kind in Hong Kong promoting ‘ageing in place’ and helping the community through various services and activities to create elderly-friendly homes.  In view of the increasing popularity of gerontechnology, we have particularly brought in more gerontech display to the Centre in hope of providing useful information for the families in need."

The Centre provides free guided tours, experiential activities and health screening for the elderly, care-givers, students, elderly service practitioners and the public.  Visit appointments can be made via webpage (http://www.hkhselderly.com/erc) or by calling 2839-2882.  Appropriate anti-pandemic measures are in place during the pandemic, while visitors may also try the online virtual tour.  Located at Shop A-C, G/F, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, the Centre and its MIND-Friendly Home Exploration Centre open from Monday to Saturday.