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Hong Kong technology expo to feature 3D food printer, mirror analysing emotions for elderly

Government said to be considering doling out subsidies as city greys

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Tthe Hong Kong Council of Social Service demonstrating 3D printing of vegetables. Photo: Dickson Lee

From a 3D food printer to a mirror that can analyse emotions, technology has been more widely adopted than before to address problems facing Hong Kong’s elderly population.

The uptick comes as the government holds the city’s first large-scale exhibition on how technology and innovation can help elderly people stay active while relieving the stress of caregivers. The exhibitions is to run from June 16 to 18.

A Mirrorgotchi is intended to read facial expressions and be used for emergency alerts. Photo: Nora Tam
A Mirrorgotchi is intended to read facial expressions and be used for emergency alerts. Photo: Nora Tam

Organised with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service as well as the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the government hoped new technologies could help society embrace greying trends.

“As we have more elderly people, pressure on care homes will grow,” said Doris Ho Pui-ling, head of the policy and project coordination unit in the chief secretary’s private office. “If we make use of technology, our ability to take care of the elderly can improve ... Pressure on families can also be eased.”

If we make use of technology, our ability to take care of the elderly can improve
Doris Ho Pui-ling, chief secretary’s private office

Ho revealed the government was considering doling out funding so that such technologies would become more affordable for elderly persons.

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