Second event of CADENZA 18-District Programme promotes healthy exercises for elderly

15 February 2009

With the support of Kwai Tsing District, the second stop of the CADENZA 18-District Programme was made at Fantasy Island in Maritime Square, Tsing Yi today (15 February), carrying a theme of ''The Exercise Pattern for Older Persons''.  An audience of more than 300 listened eagerly as physical fitness instructor Forrest Yau and physiotherapist Wayne Chan from The Chinese University of Hong Kong corrected some popular misconceptions about exercise and recommended suitable exercise methods and patterns for older people, along with special guidance for those suffering chronic illness.  They also explained ways for the elderly to strengthen their balancing power and reduce the risk of falls.  Artistes Lee Hong Kum, Cheung Kwok Keung, Alex Fong, Ella Koon, Jia Xiaochen, Tat Dik and Hotcha joined the event to share their experiences and demonstrate some simple physical fitness indicators and exercises.

At the event, The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director, Charities, William Y Yiu emphasised the focus on positive ageing for the CADENZA project and health promotion and maintenance are key elements in achieving that objective.  Mr Yiu also thanked the District Council for their staunch support to the Programme and would strive to collaborate closely with the District Council in meeting the needs of the elderly and the soon-to-be-old.

Principal speakers Mr Yau and Mr Chan explained that aerobic, resistance, balancing and flexibility exercises were especially beneficial to the elderly as it would maintain health and enhance their ability to prevent falls.  People with chronic illness should be encouraged to do more exercise to improve their health, choosing types of exercise that were appropriate to their physical condition.  This theme was echoed by the guest artistes, who, in addition to sharing their personal experiences and addressing a number of common misconceptions about exercise through role play, demonstrated some simple exercises and physical fitness tests.  Tai chi and Bollywood dance were also performed by older people as latest popular forms of exercise.

Highlights of the programme will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 5's ''Programme for the Elderly'' at 11am on 21 February 2009 (Saturday).

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 to 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, from January 2009 to June 2010.  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.