Nanyang
Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) today launched the Ageing
Research Institute for Society and Education (ARISE) and the Centre for
Population Health Sciences (CePHaS) to provide solutions to health and
lifestyle challenges faced by the elderly.
The
launch was officiated by Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong at NTU today.
ARISE
will study ways that the silver generation can stay healthy through disease
prevention, treatment and management, in addition to encouraging an active
lifestyle and promoting lifelong learning. NTU will develop technological
innovations aimed at improving quality of life despite the challenges brought
about by ageing.
As a
multi-disciplinary institute, it will bring together the strengths of NTU's schools
and research centres, ranging from business and engineering, to medicine,
humanities, sports sciences and even urban design.
It will
also work with the Centre for Population Health Sciences which will tackle
pressing healthcare problems and develop practical solutions to improve overall
population health.
The new
centre is led by NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and supported by
various healthcare and government agencies such as the National Healthcare
Group.
NTU
President Professor Bertil Andersson said, "One of the biggest problems
impacting the world today are the challenges faced by rapidly ageing
populations. By adopting an integrated and multidisciplinary approach towards
ageing research, NTU can tackle this problem effectively, and improve the
quality of life for Singaporeans as people live longer today with better
management of chronic diseases.
"NTU
will develop quality research to enhance our understanding of how Singapore is
evolving as a society, and find the most effective solutions to sustain vibrant
and resilient families, and communities."
ARISE to
work with partners from healthcare industry
Kickstarting
ARISE's research programme in geriatrics, NTU today also inked a partnership
with Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing.
Professor
Lam Khin Yong, NTU's Chief of Staff and Vice President for Research said,
"This partnership is a major step forward in boosting research in ageing
and geriatrics. It also underpins NTU's strong focus in forging close ties with
industry leaders and government agencies to develop innovative and sustainable
solutions for a better society."
Associate
Professor Chin Jing Jih, Director, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing
(IGA) said, "The close collaboration between TTSH IGA and NTU ARISE will
provide a catalytic platform for multi-disciplinary research and innovation,
which will deliver the holistic and integrated solutions needed to meet the
complex challenges we face today in ageing and geriatrics."
Helmed by
Professor Theng Yin Leng, ARISE is NTU's answer to the challenge of creating a
healthy and active ageing society through research, innovation and education.
Research
For
example, NTU is working on a home-based care research project where smart
sensors are used to monitor the wellness of the elderly, such as whether they
are eating properly or suffering from anxiety.
Installed
at various locations around the home, these sensors can track a person's
movements. The data obtained can be used to gain insights into the person's
health and emotional state.
Innovation
Another
project is the development of 'exergames' which are video games doubling-up as
a form of exercise. Using technology, these games track body movement and
reactions, and are specially designed to test eye-hand coordination and memory
skills.
By
studying their behaviours, the early detection of age-related diseases like
Alzheimer's and dementia may lead to quick medical interventions. Some of these
games developed by NTU are already being tested at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's
geriatric centre, several community centres, as well as a Parkinson's Disease
Centre in Canada.
Professor
Theng said, "These exergames also provide a common language for youths to
actively socialise with the elderly. This will help empower the elderly to lead
a mentally and physically healthy life through active ageing."
Education
This was demonstrated
at the Singapore Intergenerational National Games (SING) finals held at the NTU
launch today where 18 seniors were paired up with youth participants in teams.
One of
the participants, Susan Ho Poh Geok, 67, said, "I am very happy to explore
exergames, to train my reflexes to keep up with the young ones."
Undergraduate
Guo Jian Long, 23, Vice President of NTU's Welfare Services Club, said:
"By bringing young and old together to participate in activities and
games, we not only improve intergenerational understanding, but also encourage
them to learn more about each other, and embrace our similarities and
differences."
NTU explores new healthcare approaches
The new
NTU centre will study fresh healthcare approaches such as developing smartphone
apps to manage chronic diseases as well as to address healthcare issues.
Commonly
known as digital health (or eHealth), some of these apps could also be part of
a doctor's prescription to help patients better manage their symptoms and
recovery using the convenience provided by smartphones.
Another
focus of the centre is end-of-life care and support -- an area that is often
neglected. Individuals, families and societies need to be well prepared so that
they can better care for loved ones during and beyond their final years of
life.
Associate
Professor Josip Car, Director of the Centre for Population Health Sciences,
said, "The new centre will explore new ways of providing care, challenging
the conventions of who, how, where and when care is provided to drive
innovations that ensure care is accessible and affordable, leading to improved
population health.
"Singapore's
health system is one of the best-performing in the world, but with a rapidly
ageing population, chronic diseases, and other societal changes, it requires
significant modifications and adaptations to continue to serve the population
well and maintain its leadership in the global arena."
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