Authors (including presenting author) :
Lui S F, Au L M L, Cheung Y W S, Wan S Y S, Wong H C G, Kwok C Y I, Cheng M L V, Ho O Y, Cheung H Y, O W N, Pang Y C V, Ho Y K, Cheung M C M, Man T S D, Shun K W, Lai C L, Chan M C, Wu Y K A
Affiliation :
Department of Psychiatry, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Mental health crisis amongst elders and their caregivers is emerging under the COVID-19 pandemic. Telecommunication is an alternative of social support for those valuable and vulnerable elders ( VVEs ). In 2021, exercise eMH is one of the main themes in HK Mental Health Month ( MHM ) activities. PYNEH launched a Webinar “OLD-LYMPIC” with demonstrations of various physical and mental exercises. The Webinar was delivered by nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists, in collaboration with social workers from non-government organizations ( NGOs ) and Social Welfare Department ( SWD ), led by psychiatrists of psychogeriatric team.
Objectives :
1.Promote eMH by education on doing exercise in body-mind-spirit
2.Create rooms for elders on social interactions in safe environment (telecommunication)
3.Build up culture of eMH via new multi-media channel
Methodology :
In consideration of the needs of our clients, the community capacity and available resources during COVID-19, the infrastructure of telecommunication across different community partners, NGO, Residential Care Homes for the Elderly ( RCHEs ) and psychiatric patients or their caregivers is built. Key opinion leader ( KOL ) was invited as guest speaker for promoting “decluttering”.
Result & Outcome :
“OLD-LYMPIC” launched on 3-12-2021. “醒神運動八式”, “Nordic Walk”, “BaDuanJin”, “Let’s relax” demonstrated. 248 login participation recorded. ( including SWD, individuals, HA staff, 14 NGOs and 64 RCHEs ). Survey was conducted with 90% overall satisfaction. Physical or electronic poster, and newsletter are disseminated. Website link for re-play the programme as eMH promotion established.
“Enjoy the moment - Wisdom comes with Ageing”. We adopt new technology to provide training of physical and mental health exercises to those VVEs and their caregivers. They are dare to accept life challenges, try breathing rhythm, focus on present moment, declutter and practice.
