To promote innovation in older adults health care and academic exchange, the Healthy Ageing and Research Centre of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) held a seminar on 16 October 2026.

The seminar invited Assistant Professor Dr Catherine Dong Yanhong from the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies and the Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, and Assistant Professor Chao Ka Kei from KWNC as guest speakers. They shared international research advances and local community practice outcomes.

Dr Catherine Dong delivered a talk titled “Brain Training for Cognitive Longevity”. She shared the latest research findings in cognitive health and noted that cognitive function should be regarded as the “fifth vital sign” in nursing care. She said early screening and assessment can help identify the risk of cognitive impairment and improve health management for older adults.

Dr Dong also introduced the latest evidence on the “Heart-Brain Connection”. She explained how her team combines neuroimaging, cardiovascular health assessment and cognitive training research to explore the interaction between the heart and the brain. The findings provide scientific support for the prevention and intervention of cognitive decline.

She further shared the internationally recognised “Train Your Brain” cognitive training programme. Studies show that the programme can improve overall cognition, executive function and mental health among people with mild cognitive impairment. It has also been applied in stroke rehabilitation, return-to-work support and chronic disease management.

Assistant Professor Chao Ka Kei delivered a talk titled “Frailty Management for Older Adults through Cross-Sector Collaboration: An Innovative Community Model in Macao”. She analysed the challenges brought by Macao’s rapid population ageing and community care needs.

Professor Chao noted that Macao has entered a super-aged society within a shortperiod. The connection between medical and social service systems still needs improvement. Some older adults may not receive timely and continuous health support.

She introduced the research team’s cross-professional community model developed in recent years. The model integrates nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition, social work and higher education resources. Based on the World Health Organization’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework and the concept of Value Co-creation, the model provides cognitive training, exercise intervention, nutrition guidance and social participation activities. These measures aim to enhance older adults’ intrinsic capacity and quality of life. Research findings show that the interventions effectively improve frailty levels and physical function among older adults, supporting healthy ageing.