National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is launching a series of groundbreaking initiatives to improve the health and social engagement of the elderly population. Through a dual approach involving the “Gong Academy” and smart health promotion programs, NYCU integrates cutting-edge technology with community partnerships to enhance physical wellness while offering seniors the opportunity to return to campus, enriching their lives with wisdom and vitality.
Smart Fitness Program: Combining AI-Enhanced Equipment and Social Interaction
In collaboration with local pharmacies in central Taiwan, NYCU has rolled out a “Smart Health Promotion Program” in Changhua and Yunlin counties, targeting 112 elderly participants for physical training and social interaction. This program introduces artificial intelligence-based exercise equipment designed specifically for older adults, covering a range of activities from warm-ups and aerobic exercises to muscle strengthening and balance training.
The modular design and intuitive interface of the equipment are tailored to senior users’ needs. After several weeks of training, participants have reported significant improvements in BMI, core strength, and overall quality of life.
Professor Heng-Hsin Tung, head of NYCU’s College of Nursing, emphasized that the program not only focuses on physical training but also incorporates social interaction and nutritional guidance, forming a comprehensive health promotion strategy. Weekly community events, including art classes and board games, provide an enjoyable environment for seniors to enhance cognitive function, promoting holistic well-being.
Gong Academy: Seniors Returning to Campus to Share Wisdom and Experience
In September this year, NYCU launched the “Gong Academy,” named after the ancient Chinese imperial examination system, in collaboration with enterprises and 11 of its colleges (Read more: Leading Innovation in Aging: NYCU Showcases Achievements and “Gong Academy” Initiative at Healthy Ageing Tech Show). This initiative allows seniors to return to campus and participate in courses on cognitive training, investment and finance, health and wellness, AI sharing, and language studies. It also includes health assessments that combine semiconductor manufacturing technology with physician guidance, offering a comprehensive challenge with assignments and exams.
Kuei-Ann We, Executive Director of NYCU Social Responsibility Development Office, stated that the Gong Academy emphasizes campus reentry and intergenerational learning. The structured campus environment enables seniors with knowledge and experience to step into classrooms alongside younger students, enjoying the vibrancy of youth, sharing life wisdom, and embracing new knowledge and technology.
Dr. Liang-Kung Chen, Director of NYCU Aging and Health Research Center, who spearheaded the planning of the Gong Academy, highlighted that, with the support of TSMC and the Hsinchu Science Park Industry-University Training Association, the academy aims to accompany elderly individuals in living meaningful lives, allowing them to continue contributing their wisdom and experience to society.
The “Gong Academy” is a platform for educating seniors and a concrete expression of NYCU’s commitment to social responsibility in the field of aging education. In the future, it will integrate the “Lifelong Learning University” and the “Senior Fitness Club,” forming a robust triad to provide comprehensive support for seniors in health, learning, and social interaction.
Link : Gong Academy (1) / Gong Academy (2) / Original reference
