As our society grapples with the pressing issue of an aging population, cultivating compassion within the eldercare industry and educational institutions has become essential. Many older adults often face services that prioritize tasks over their dignity and wellbeing. They also share a desire to remain in their homes and communities even as they age. Values-driven caregivers with a compassionate mindset are therefore crucial for enhancing seniors’ quality of life, ensuring they feel respected and supported whilst prolonging their abilities to age in place.
Generation Hong Kong (GenHK) and The D. H. Chen Foundation co-initiated the Guardians of the Silver Age (GSA) in 2020. Since then, over 200 elder-centric frontline care workers have been trained, and 69 units from 16 unique employers have created 1,223 vacancies for the core training graduates. Supported by the research conducted by Prof. Terry Lum from The University of Hong Kong, which included both quantitative (surveys and administrative data analysis) and qualitative data, GSA has effectively prepared graduates to adopt and implement the person-centered self-support model in eldercare settings. This experience has shaped the vision for GSA 2.0 launched in 2024, aiming to create a comprehensive approach that addresses the urgent needs of the aging population, and encourages everyone to become a Guardian of the Silver Age across the territory.
Frontline staff in the industry participate in training that utilizes an experiential learning approach
Equipping caregivers with the skills and compassion-based values necessary for person-centered care
A student participant learning to communicate with an older adult
"Adore the older adults" - a student's heartfelt feelings towards the older adults
Students donning the attire of Personal Care Workers (PCWs) and Health Care Workers (HCWs) to immerse themselves in these roles
GSA 2.0 focuses on three key pillars:
1/ Industry Pillar
Established diverse and robust partnership with various eldercare service providers to empower caregivers with the skills and compassion necessary for person-centered care. This will be achieved through mentoring, workshops, and training that engage top management, provide training for middle management, and offer mentoring for frontline staff.
2/ School Pillar
Expand the efforts from Lok Sin Tong Yu Kan Hing Secondary School to Hong Kong Red Swastika Society Tai Po Secondary School, nurturing empathy among students, and preparing them to engage meaningfully with older adults.
3/ Community Pillar
Impactful stories will be shared with the public, promoting compassion as a core value that resonates with everyone.
By embedding compassion into the fabric of our industry, schools, and communities, the Foundation hopes that both current and future generations are equipped to meet the challenges of an aging society with empathy and understanding.
For more information about Guardians of the Silver Age program, please click HERE.