CADENZA's Tsuen Wan programme promotes health self-management

14 November 2009

With an increasing ageing population, it is estimated that a quarter of Hong Kong residents will be aged over 65 by 2030.  Furthermore, current statistics suggest that 70% of these over-65s could be suffering chronic diseases of one form or another, which will put a heavy burden on the city's healthcare and social services, as well as on the physical and psychological health of the people concerned.  On the principle that prevention is better than cure, it becomes increasingly important that the public are encouraged to monitor and manage their own health conditions more proactively.

Carrying the theme of "Managing Health Risks and Chronic Conditions", the CADENZA 18-Distict Programme, supported by the Tsuen Wan District Council, made its tenth stop at the Sky Dome Atrium in Discovery Park today (14 November) and demonstrated to the public some effective means of health management.

One of the guest speakers, Dr Elsie Hui, Senior Medical Officer of the Medical & Geriatric Unit at Shatin Hospital observed that diabetes, hypertension and heart disease were the most common chronic diseases among the elderly.  Moreover, some patients believe that these diseases are curable, and tend to over-rely on medical treatment alone. The concept of "self-management" is relatively novel to many older persons. "People should be more involved in managing their own health problems, and provide health care professionals with clear and accurate information about any changes in their health status," Dr Hui explained. "It not only helps practitioners make better decisions on treatment, but also enhances the effectiveness of self-management among chronic disease sufferers."

Perina Li, Chief Manager of Senior Citizens and Rehabilitation Services of the Salvation Army, suggested some effective means of health self-management, such as sharing food with others to avoid over eating, using a pill organiser as a medication reminder, as well as simply thinking positively.  "Monitoring health changes and managing emotions, as well as maintaining a normal social life, are key missions for people who want to live in a health self-management mode," she said.  "Empowering one's willpower is a vital element in driving the success of health self-management."

The research work of the CADENZA Community Project: Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme was also outlined.  The study had shown that self-management could help the elderly achieve significant improvements in their health condition, whilst also reducing their use of healthcare services.  They recommended increased collaboration between the medical and social service sectors under the referral scheme, which would help boost its effectiveness.

Artistes Paw Hee Ching, Fiona Sit, Kary Ng, William Chan, Ryan Hui, Cilla Kung, Jonathan Wong, Fama and HotCha joined the event to promote the importance of health self-management through interactive games, and encouraged the public to have a balanced diet and do more exercise for better health.

Highlights of the programme will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 5's "Brilliant Life" at 4:00 pm on Friday 20 November 2009.

The CADENZA 18-District Programme is a citywide public education initiative jointly organised by CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors and RTHK Radio 5.  It aims to promote positive ageing and equip the soon-to-be-old with knowledge that can help them continue to live an active and positive life.  A monthly programme of public interactive events and activities is being organised in each of Hong Kong's 18 districts in turn, starting from January 2009.  Details of the programme are available at: www.rthk.org.hk/special/cadenza.

CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors is a five-year project launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million in 2006.  The project aims at nurturing academic leadership in social gerontology and changing the mindset and attitude of the general public through a range of training and public education programmes.  Cross-sectional collaboration between organisations and the implementation of innovative elderly services and programmes are also encouraged in order to bring about a new mode of elderly care services to prepare for a rapidly ageing society.  Details of CADENZA are available at www.cadenza.hk.

125th Anniversary of The Hong KongJockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.