Over the past year, I have had the privilege of contributing to several research and community projects focused on healthy ageing, mental well-being, and dementia care. A particularly enriching part of this journey has been working closely with older adults and family caregivers. Their lived experiences have provided valuable insights into the mental health challenges encountered by both care recipients and caregivers, especially in relation to dementia.
Through this work, I have learned that caregiving and dementia disclosure are closely intertwined with traditional cultural values, family expectations, and social norms. These factors influence how individuals seek support and communicate about their experiences. As researchers and practitioners, we need to be sensitive to these social and cultural contexts when designing interventions and services. These experiences have also reinforced the importance of a co-design approach, whereby older adults, caregivers, service providers, and other stakeholders actively contribute to developing meaningful and contextually appropriate solutions.
Another aspect has impressed me is the enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and digital innovation. I am continually inspired by colleagues who actively explore new technologies to enhance research, service delivery, and community engagement. Through these collaborations, I have learned not only new tools and approaches but also how innovation can be integrated with healthcare.
As a member of CoA, I am grateful for the supportive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. I look forward to continuing this work and contributing to initiatives that promote healthier and more inclusive ageing in our community.
(Image generated by Grok)
By: Xuhong LI, Post-doctoral Fellow
Email: anthan@hku.hk