Global Innovative Programmes for the Elderly to combat COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the global population in drastic ways. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people are especially at risk due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions. Making matters worse, seniors must spend more time at home often without physical contact with family members and friends. As a result, they have a high probability of developing severe illness.

Different countries and cities are adopting innovative approaches to minimize the risk. In this webinar, panel speakers from Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK will share how their governments, NGOs, and institutions have addressed the issue and present their insights on the way forward.

Panelists

Dr Chandrakala DIYALI

Senior Assistant Professor, Amity Institute of Social Sciences Amity University, India

Dr Chandrakala DIYALI is a Senior Assistant Professor in Amity Institute of Social Sciences at the Amity University in India. She holds Ph D and M Phil degrees in Social Work. Her articles were published in reputed National and International Journals, books and chapters in the books, magazines, newsletters etc. Dr Chandrakala has been the core member to organize many National and International Conferences and organises many university- level programmes as a coordinator of many committees.

Prof Brian FINDSEN

Former Professor of Education, University of Waikato, New Zealand

Dr Brian Findsen is the former professor of (adult) education at the Universities of Glasgow (2004-2008) and Waikato (2008-2019). He has worked in the field of adult education in most of his working life. His main research interests include learning in later life, social equity issues, and international adult education. Dr Findsen has co-written and edited several books, and published extensively in later life learning. He is a current Council member for Age Concern Hamilton (New Zealand), an organisation concerned about the well-being of older people.

Prof Eef Hogervorst

Professor of Biological Psychology, University of Loughborough, UK

Prof Eef Hogervorst studied Health Sciences at Maastricht University and worked as a Research Scientist at Oxford University, at the UAMS in Arkansas (ranked 8th in the USA for its gerontology programme) and as a Senior Research Associate at Cambridge University before taking up a Chair at Loughborough (ranked in the top 10 of UK Universities). Eef is an epidemiologist and neuropsychologist with a focus on healthy ageing. She has published over 200 peer reviewed international publications, is regularly invited for keynotes and lectures worldwide and has obtained >£10M funding for her research with collaborators. Eef sits on several advisory boards and reviews EU and other grants. She also holds Chairs in Indonesia (UI and University of Respati) where she has been conducting research since 2005.

Ms Thelma KAY

Former Chief, Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Ms Thelma Kay is the former Chief of the Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and also the former Senior Advisor on Ageing Issues, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore. Ms Kay was a faculty member at the Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore. Ms Kay currently serves as advisor and consultant to governments and international organizations such as HelpAge International, and UN entities.

Dr Pamela Tin

Head of Healthcare & Social Development, Our Hong Kong Foundation

Dr Pamela Tin received her PhD from the School of Public Health at The University of Hong Kong. Dedicated to health systems and social development research, Dr Tin and her team at OHKF published the policy paper 'Fit for Purpose: A Health System for the 21st Century' in November 2018. The report was named 'Best Policy Study/Report Produced by a Think Tank' by the University of Pennsylvania Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program ‘2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index.’

Facilitator

Professor Teresa Tsien

Honorary Consultant, Smart Ageing Hub, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Professor Teresa Tsien is an Honorary Consultant of the Institute of Active Ageing and Jockey Club Smart Ageing Hub of the Department of Bio-medical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) and a Visiting Professor of the Respati University of Indonesia. Teresa is the former Professor of Practice (Gerontology) of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the first Director of the Institute of Active Ageing of the HKPU. She is a Hong Kong representative of ACAP (Active Aging Consortium in Asia Pacific). Prof Tsien was awarded the Certificate of Commendation by the Hong Kong SAR government in 2017 on her contributions to the ageing policy and services.