Jockey Club Pathway to Healthy Ageing Symposium reveals findings from
functional assessment of older adults in Hong Kong

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As a response to the United Nations’ Decade of Healthy Ageing: 2021-2030 initiative, the Jockey Club Pathway to Healthy Ageing Project (JC PATH-HA), supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, was launched in July 2021 by the School of Nursing of the LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU). In collaboration with 14 elderly centres in seven districts operated by Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, Pok Oi Hospital, and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the project aims to optimise the functional abilities of older adults – defined by the United Nations as those aged 60 and above - in accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) model. 

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The Jockey Club Pathway to Healthy Ageing Symposium was held on February 22, 2025. Mr Ho Kai-ming, HKSAR Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Dr Li Kwok-tung, Donald, Chairman of the Elderly Commission, delivered officiating addresses. During the symposium, Professor Yu Sau-fung, Doris, the School of Nursing’s Chair in Research and the project’s principal investigator, disseminated the findings of a territory-wide functional assessment of older adults in Hong Kong. Additionally, Professor Yu, her research team and speakers from the partnering NGOs discussed the impact of the Jockey Club Pathway to Healthy Ageing Project on the well-being of older adults. We are thrilled to have dedicated individuals from healthcare, social care, and DHC come together to champion healthy aging in our symposium! Our fruitful discussions highlighted the power of collaboration in promoting primary health care and aged care.

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In alignment with the WHO-ICOPE framework, the project incorporated a comprehensive functional assessment (covering physical, psychological, cognitive, metabolic vitality and sensory function) to identify older adults experiencing functional decline in at least two areas. A 12-week nurse-led critical care pathway, consisting of personalised care mapping, case management, empowerment-based lifestyle coaching and health-oriented peer support, was conducted to ensure the promotion of healthy ageing can be self-directed and sustainable.

The recent symposium highlighted significant findings that underscore the project's positive impact on the well-being of older adults. By promoting self-directed and sustainable healthy ageing practices, this initiative not only benefits individuals but also establishes a benchmark for similar programs in the future.

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For details of the Jockey Club Pathway to Healthy Ageing Project, please visit https://hkjc-pathhahku.com/home