Research is often seen as an “ivory tower”, an isolated and privileged environment where academics discuss among themselves instead of offering practical solutions for everyday people. However, at the Sau Po Centre on Ageing, I am glad to say that this is not the case.
Working at the centre, I have had the unique opportunity to engage directly with carers and older adults, listening to the stories they share, the trials they have overcome, their hopes for the future. I have also had the privilege of connecting and training volunteers who offer up their time to serve these older adults, and often they end up teaching me new things about caregiving as well.
When we think about research, the first things that come to mind are correlations, statistical significance, and other technical jargon. But behind every single datapoint is a person with their own unique experiences. Every time I sit down with these people, I am reminded of why research exists in the first place: for the betterment and advancement of the community.
By: Jeff YIU, Research Assistant
Email: yiuj1@hku.hk