Programme Overview
“Smart Care Lab 4.0 – Bright Future Smart Ageing Care Community” is a collaborative initiative led by the Golden Age Foundation in partnership with dozens of organisations. It aims to address the growing challenges of elderly care in Hong Kong through social innovation and design thinking. According to projections by the Census and Statistics Department, the population aged 65+ will increase from 1.64 million (2023) to 2.67 million (2043), representing 35% of the total. This demographic shift will intensify the burden on caregivers and exacerbate labour shortages in the care sector.
At the kernel of the programme is the “Three-Tier Caregiver Model,” which mobilizes students, golden-aged individuals (aged 45+), and elderly caregivers to foster intergenerational collaboration. The initiative seeks to unlock the potential of golden-aged individuals, cultivate young leaders for the ageing industry, and promote the development of the silver economy.
With an anticipated beneficiary count exceeding 5,000 individuals, the programme will continue to advance community-based elder care, talent development, and international exchange. It strives to establish a sustainable elderly care model for Hong Kong, achieving both economic and social benefits. This initiative is made possible through the generous support and trust of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation, enabling us to build a better future for Hong Kong’s elderly and communities.
Programme Components
1. Dr Junior (Students)
The programme promotes youth engagement and enhances their understanding of issues related to population ageing, and fosters innovative thinking and empathy in practice. Participating students will collaborate with Golden agers to explore community-driven solutions, becoming a new force in building age-friendly communities and advancing the silver economy.
- Phase 1: Participate in Smart Ageing Social Innovation Training to learn design thinking and identify pain points in an ageing society.
- Phase 2: Engage in Project-Based Learning (PBL), co-create products with Smart Care Workers, and provide outreach services to foster intergenerational inclusion.
- Phase 3: Compete in an inter-school competition.
- Phase 4: Outstanding teams will join an overseas study tour for cultural and academic exchange (ie. Japan).
2. Smart Care Workers (Golden-Agers)
Outstanding Smart Care Workers from the “Smart Care Lab 3.0” will be promoted to “Senior Golden Mentors,” leading a new cohort of Smart Care Workers in the following activities:
- Receive professional training from nursing and social work experts in elderly care, dementia support, emotional well-being, and technology applications.
- Support students in social innovation training and design competitions, and co-develop Smart Ageing products.
- Conduct home and community visits to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance on using technological products.
3. Service Users and Caregivers (Elderly and Their Families)
- Receive outreach services offering emotional and practical support.
- Participate in emerging wellness and therapeutic activities led by golden-agers and students to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Programme Timeline
Duration: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
Launch Ceremony: Early November 2025
Recognition Ceremony: Early August 2026
Enquiries and Further Information
Mr. Robin Sham
Innovation Services Manager
Phone: 9347 9564
Email: robinsham@goldenage.foundation