CADENZA and RTHK jointly organise 18-District programme to promote positive ageing

1 December 2008

The CADENZA 18-District Programme, a citywide public education initiative jointly organised by CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 5, was launched today (1 December) by Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Director of Broadcasting Franklin Wong, popular local singer Eason Chan and other guests. This pioneering programme is designed 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.

Befitting its name, the CADENZA 18-District Programme will run for 18 months from January 2009 to June 2010. A range of public interactive events and activities will be organised monthly in each of Hong Kong's 18 districts, taking different themes ranging from health and social services to legal matters, financial issues and the general quality of life. Professionals from these fields as well as celebrities will be invited to speak at the events. The main objective is to help those approaching their senior years acquire knowledge that can better prepare them for ageing. At the same time, the initiative aims to raise awareness among the public of how they can contribute to helping their elders achieve active and positive ageing.

The first activity of the programme, to be held in Eastern District on 17 January 2009 at the Band Stand in Victoria Park, will address the opportunities and challenges facing the soon-to-be-old as they approach the second half of their life. Further details will be announced at a later stage.

To reinforce public understanding of positive ageing, excerpts of the talks and presentations will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 5 ''Programme for the Elderly'' as well as uploaded to RTHK's ''A Power'' website for public viewing. (Please refer to the fact sheet for further details of the CADENZA 18-District Programme.)

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said at today's launch ceremony that the strong support of the 18 District Councils would be the key to success of the CADENZA 18-District Programme. ''The Club, with its vision to be Hong Kong's premier charity and community benefactor, will continue taking the lead in launching and supporting innovative district-based community and charity projects that meet society's changing needs,'' he pledged. ''The CADENZA 18-District Programme is just the curtain raiser. I hope a new concept of ageing can be cultivated in our society through this programme, and that in turn it will give rise to a more positive image of ageing and the elderly.'' He called on every member of the public to participate actively in the CADENZA 18-District Programme and to give CADENZA their full support.

CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors

''CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors'', a five-year project launched in 2006, is initiated and supported by the Club's Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million. The project is aimed 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.

Attachment

CADENZA 18-District Programme Fact Sheet