Under the supervision of SRM teaching fellow Ms. Janet Lee, 4 SRM students who major in recreation management studied elderly fitness corner (EFC) in Hong Kong as their honours project topic.

The honours project was titled as ‘Exploring the Usage and Perception of Elderly Fitness Corner in Hong Kong: A Mix-Model Pilot Study’. The group of year 4 SRM students selected Nam Cheong Park located in Sham Shui Po district (highest poverty rate) in Hong Kong as the sampling site and they did 7-day observation at the park to assess the facility usage. During the 7-day observation, they also conducted in-depth interviews with 12 elderly facility users to know more about their perceptions on the facility. Observational data of the study suggested that EFC appeared to serve its function, EFC is mostly used by elders of both gender. Morning session has the highest usage rate. Data suggested that by using EFC, most elders could acquire adequate amount and intensity of physical activity as recommended by World Health Organization.  Qualitative data suggested that EFC could serves as exercise and rehabilitation facility alternative, aids health care system and enhance social interaction among elders, but improvements are needed in facility management and maintenance.  Elders also voiced out their hope of having shelter above the exercise facility so that they can keep exercising at rainy days.

The research findings obtained poster presentation acceptance at The International Conference for Active Aging and Quality of Life co-organised by the Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness and Hong Kong Baptist University. The conference was held on 21-22 July, 2016 in Hong Kong.