CPD Seminar:  Enhancing Senior Living:  10 Evidence-based Design Features for Healthy Ageing

Date: 15 July 2025 (Tuesday)

Time: 7pm - 8:30pm

CPD Hours: 1.5 hours

Language: Cantonese supplemented with English

Admission: HKD100 / Member ; HKD200 / Non-member

Venue: HKIA Premises (19/F, One Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong)

Quota: 80 Persons

Format: In-person Only

Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/u3P4xUG64L

Overview:

In the next fifteen years, over 30% of Hong Kong’s population will be aged 65 and older, up from over 20%, marking it as a super-aged society. The percentage of those aged 80 and above is expected to rise from over 5% to more than 10%. In response, the government and society are strengthening elderly services and prioritising Ageing-in-Place, with institutional care as a backup. This demographic shift has prompted an urgent need to enhance quality living spaces to support the health and well-being of older adults.

Current Context:

Hong Kong has the highest life expectancy in the world for years. However, this longevity does not guarantee good health. Studies show that many individuals prioritise health over mere longevity, a view increasingly shaping the daily routines of older adults. Research indicates that health is influenced by personal behaviours (40%), genetics (30%), environmental conditions (20%), and medical care (10%). Thus, it is crucial for spatial design and services to collaborate in promoting healthy lifestyle choices and foster meaningful interactions in residential communities, as home—where the heart is—remains central to our well-being.

Research Foundation:

This presentation draws from over six years of design research, culminating in the book Curating Homes: A Guide to Residential Design for Ageing-in-Place, published by the CUHK JC Institute of Ageing. The work integrates Ageing-in-Place concepts with building and service design in Hong Kong, closely adhering to the World Health Organisation’s concept of Healthy Ageing, which goes beyond merely the absence of chronic diseases or barrier-free design. It focuses on maintaining the physical and cognitive functions of older adults, enabling them to continue to do thing they value and lead fulfilling lives.

Evidence-based Design:

The research combines evidence from various studies, residents feedback, and insights from healthcare and property services, revealing critical connections between health and living environments. It advocates for a holistic approach to residential design that honours older adults' needs. This sharing will highlight ten evidence-based design features related to health principles for older adults, illustrated through real-life case studies and insights from property services.

Curating Homes: A Guide to Residential Design for Ageing-in-Place

Newly published by the CUHK JC Institute of Ageing, this essential resource focuses on design for senior living, providing a comprehensive toolkit of architectural and operational strategies aligned with the World Health Organization's principles of healthy ageing. Funded by Chinachem, the eBook is available for all and free download at:

https://www.ioa.cuhk.edu.hk/residential_design_guide/

Speakers:

Ar. Rina KO

Registered Architect

Co-Author of the Book “Curating Homes: A Guide to Residential Design for Ageing-in-Place”

Former Research Architect (Design Research) at CUHK JC Institute of Ageing

Part-time Lecturer at CUHK School of Architecture

Mr. Joe SHAM Ka Hung

Registered Social Worker

Senior Fellow,

Social Enterprise Research Academy

Global Ageing Influencer (2024)

Outstanding Chinese figures (Eldercare 2023)

Global Ageing Trailblazer (2018)

Moderator:

Prof. Stephen LAU

Fellow

HKIA