Introduction
Journey for Active Minds: Jockey Club Museum Programme for the Elderly
4/11 – 23/11/2015
1/F Lobby, Hong Kong Museum of History
Solely sponsored by
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
Presented by
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Organised by
The Hong Kong Museum of History
In collaboration with
Art in Hospital
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, "Journey for Active Minds: Jockey Club Museum Programme for the Elderly" is a pilot project organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History in collaboration with the Art in Hospital and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It is the first museum programme of its kind in Hong Kong tailor-made for the elderly and people with Alzheimer's disease (broadly known as people with dementia). In tandem with the Museum's permanent and thematic exhibitions, special guided tours, workshops and outreach activities are arranged for participants in company with their carers, in order to stimulate their long-term memories and slow the deterioration in their cognitive function through intellectual stimulation, social interaction and experience sharing. In addition, the project seeks to foster their interest in Hong Kong's history, art and cultural heritage, and to develop a positive sense of community involvement. Since March 2014, more than 200 sessions of museum programme have been organised under this project, serving more than 4,500 older persons and Alzheimer's patients.
To complement the project, an exhibition will be staged at the Hong Kong Museum of History from 4 to 23 November 2015 to showcase the artworks of the elderly and Alzheimer's patients and share their joy and experiences of participation in the project, with a view to arousing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease. Research report will be published along with the exhibition to assess the impact and effectiveness of the project on the elderly and Alzheimer's patients, and how the project helps to enhance their quality of life through the participation of museum programmes.