Professor CHONG Ming Lin Alice, PhD., RSW, MH.

Throughout over 20 years of teaching at the City University of Hong Kong, I have been devoting myself into gerontology and social work education. I hope that my experience in social work at the frontline, research experience in gerontology and teaching philosophy can be used to educate the young generation with the correct knowledge and values to confront the development and needs of society. Caring for, serving and contributing to society is one of my life missions.

Aging population has become a global concern. According to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, data show that the proportion of the elderly population aged 65 and above in 2014 is 15%, but by 2034, the proportion will surge to 30%. Meanwhile, the advancement of medical technology and the improvement of the social environment have also led to a trend towards longevity in per capita age. A ranking in July 2016 shows that Hong Kong is the world's longest-lived society.

Although many people worry that the aging population will bring different social or economic burdens to society, challenges also create opportunity. From a different point of view, the elderly are our rich social resources. Many social enterprises and far-sighted organizations employ old people as full-time or part-time employees. This will enable the elderly to rejoin the community and directly enhance Hong Kong's workforce. An increasing number of products and services (e.g. Home Ownership Scheme and health care) are developed for the elderly. Moreover, some community-based facilities enhance the accessibility of the elderly (such as barrier-free access and transportation allowances). We can see that aging population also brings unlimited opportunities for the community, allowing the silver-haired market to flourish!

I hope that university students will increase their understanding to the elderly and thus be able to utilize their knowledge and creativity to actively prepare for the aging population. Therefore, the innovative gateway education course of GE226 "Ageing Society: Hong Kong and Beyonds" has been designed and introduced before 2012. The basic knowledge of gerontology will be extended to students of different disciplines and grades. In addition to academic learning, communication with the elderly is more important. As a result, "Life Mentor Scheme" was born! This program is part of the curriculum, encouraging young people to have direct contact with the elderly. It serves as a means for youngsters and the old people to understand each other's life and values, breaks the intergenerational communication barriers and promotes the relationship between the two generations, which is an important cornerstone of social inclusion!

We are honored to receive the generous sponsorship from Mr. David Chow Tak Fung and the University Grants Committee's Matching Grant Scheme. The funding enables the continuation of the “Life Mentor Scheme”. Moreover, a research project can be launched to collect up to 2,000 elderly’s and university students' views on intergenerational attitudes. It is the first inter - generational academic research in Hong Kong. Here, once again thank Mr. Chow for his support in social sciences as well as his care for the well-being of the elderly. It is hoped that the community can be more aware of the aging issue and the development of relationship between the two generations!

The establishment of this website aims to share the experience, effectiveness and research results of the program with the public for reference. We also set up an online assessment for young people and elderly to compare their views on the two generations with our research result. In just a few minutes you could comprehend your attitudes on the two generations. I sincerely encourage everyone to take part in it!

Nowadays, Hong Kong has a narrow living environment with a fast paced life. It is a rare opportunity for three generations to live with one another, let alone the young people get together with the elderly in their growing stage.

I always have the opportunity to visit the elderly in the residential care, so I have more opportunities to reach out to the old people. I have learned from them that the young generation lacks the experience and wisdom of life. Elderly are indeed a vast treasure.

In addition to classroom learning, it is important for students to learn and experience in real life. Through the “Life Mentor Scheme”, students have a unique opportunity to engage in quality communication with elders outside the home. In the course of more than two months of communication, students can obtain the unique and practical knowledge, and learn from the elderly of their living attitude and life experience, enriching the wisdom of life. Besides, in this process of inheritance, the elderly can have a comprehensive review of their lives, enhance themselves and strengthen their life values. They can also understand the thoughts and values of present youths.

According to statistics, the average life expectancy of Hong Kong people has surpassed Japan to become the first in the world. Therefore, aging population is a social problem that Hong Kong society must face. “The Life Mentor Scheme” can enhance intergenerational communication and enable old people to pass on their wisdom and experience. Promoting integration of an aging society is indeed a good thing for both young and old generations. Therefore, I am also happy to plan out a little.

I am honored to engage in this program and interact with the students, for the reason that I understand how valuable the program is. I hereby wish the "Life Mentor Scheme" of the City University of Hong Kong, under the leadership of Professor Chong, will continue to promote social inspiration, positive energy, and revitalize respect for the aged.