HKJC Donates Over HK$119 Million to PolyU's Fall Prevention Program for Seniors
Bastillepost · 5 SOURCESabout 20 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) launched a groundbreaking 45-month community fall prevention program on September 30, 2026, at its campus in Hung Hom, Kowloon. Funded by a donation exceeding HK$119 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charitable Trust, this initiative represents Hong Kong's first large-scale project combining judo safe landing techniques with fall biomechanics theory. The program aims to benefit approximately 17,000 elderly residents aged 60 or above who face moderate to high fall risk, teaching them self-protection skills to reduce injuries and fractures .
Key Points
- The launch ceremony was officiated by Ho Kai-ming, Deputy Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Chu Lai-ming from the Primary Healthcare Commission; Law Suen-yat, PolyU Associate Vice President; Chan Choi-ying from the HKJC; Pang Yiu-chung and Fu Siu-ngor from PolyU's Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; and actor Stone as program ambassador .
- According to the Department of Health, approximately 16% of Hong Kong's elderly population experiences at least one fall annually, with about 10% resulting in fractures that impact mobility and quality of life .
- Participants will undergo bone density testing and AI-powered fall risk assessment developed by PolyU researchers. Eligible individuals will join a 12-week training course designed by the PolyU team and professional judo coaches, learning safe landing and body protection techniques .
- The program collaborates with five large community non-governmental organizations: Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Jockey Club CADENZA, Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, and Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department .
- The course structure progresses from basic to advanced levels, teaching participants to roll when seated, land when kneeling, and eventually land safely when standing. Each session is one hour, with two sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions, led by trained instructors and physiotherapy assistants .
Why It Matters
With Hong Kong's rapidly aging population, fall prevention represents both a public health priority and a financial imperative for the city's healthcare system. By equipping elderly residents with practical self-protection skills, the program aims to reduce medical expenses associated with fall-related hospitalizations while enhancing seniors' independence and confidence in daily activities . The initiative shifts the public health model from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, complementing the government's Smart Accident Detection System pilot that provides real-time monitoring for high-risk households .
With Hong Kong's rapidly aging population, fall prevention represents both a public health priority and a financial imperative for the city's healthcare system. By equipping elderly residents with practical self-protection skills, the program aims to reduce medical expenses associated with fall-related hospitalizations while enhancing seniors' independence and confidence in daily activities . The initiative shifts the public health model from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, complementing the government's Smart Accident Detection System pilot that provides real-time monitoring for high-risk households .