Innovative Gerontological Learning Hub – Experience sharing

With Hong Kong’s increasingly aging population, the demand for healthcare services and the healthcare workforce is rising exponentially. This surge in need intensifies the existing challenge related to the workforce shortage. Studies show that a key contributors for these manpower shortages is related to the negative perception of older adults and the challenges associated with geriatric work. Innovations in gerontological education are critically important to enhance nursing students’ understanding and improve their attitudes toward geriatric care.

Integrating technology-assisted learning tools, such as virtual reality and simulations, into gerontological education can significantly improve the students’ understanding and attitudes toward older adults. These immersive, multisensory environments allow students to experience realistic scenarios of daily life for older adults, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice. Through these experiences, students not only develop essential knowledge and caregiving skills, but also cultivate empathy, compassion, and a positive attitude toward aging. These are key factors that can increase students’ willingness to pursue careers in geriatric fields and contribute to building an age-friendly society.

The training program employs a three-stage learning process: preparation, application, and debriefing. Students first acquire core disciplinary knowledge, then engage with immersive and interactive scenarios that explore the physio-psycho-social challenges faced by older adults. By adopting this innovative approach, students are encouraged to reflect on and share their learning experiences with teachers and classmates. This method not only enhances professional readiness among future healthcare providers, but also transforms the learning process from one-way instruction to two-way interaction, promoting deeper engagement and understanding for all participants.