Reflections

Actually I formulated the activity plans based on comments from different parties. I am not so good in thinking of new concepts, however I think I am good at synthesising. And yes, comments from other parties could help me, and after listening to comments from others, I synthesise them. Therefore the outcome is acceptable to everyone as it is a product of their discussion being synthesised and systemised by me. — A HKBU student

I am in charge of one of the activities that involve stretching exercises. And Dr Lobo from the PE Department gave professional comments, such as what should be done and what ought to be avoided. His professional feedback boosted my confidence in the exercises I chose and also in leading the activities […] Prof. Tam and Prof. Sivan told me that instead of solely going by hands, the project aims also to go by heart. We are not just transmitting physical knowledge to the older adults, but also bringing them with spiritual support.— A HKBU student

In terms of knowledge transfer, we have achieved in terms of history, technique and experiences. And they learnt from us our society has become so knowledge-based. They might not know what iPhone was. And now they get to know that there are smart phones that can be used to access the internet, and they learn about internet. While through the interaction, we also get to learn about what it was like in the past, about the War of Resistance Against Japan. One of the older adults talked about how difficult life was in the past, such as the period of limited water use. If we haven’t go to this step, it would be of no difference from merely servicing. It is different this time, we mingled together, and we interact also during the breaks.— A HKBU student

I am quite headstrong and rigid in my thoughts. However, all through the meetings we had in this programme in which we collaborate and work on carrying out these six activities, somehow you have to compromise with other people. The more you listen to, the more you know about your own shortcomings. — A HKBU student

I think you [university students] really did a great job. You planned all the activities, right? If we were to play something, we wouldn’t be able to think of dumpling event, bag event, stretching event and sharing event. And I remember there was one older adult who put up a piece of paper and said, “I took part in this activity! I am very happy!” And I joked and asked her, “is it free?” She shouted, “Yes! It’s free!” She looked excited. And it wasn’t really about the money. She just enjoyed the activities and she felt very involved. — A LKYMS student

Through intergenerational learning, they[the secondary school students] have all the opportunity to look at things from each others’ perspectives under your peaceful and rational event design. It is a good thing for all generations. — A LKYMS student

I think you [university students] really did a great job. You planned all the activities, right? If we were to play something, we wouldn’t be able to think of dumpling event, bag event, stretching event and sharing event. And I remember there was one older adult who put up a piece of paper and said, “I took part in this activity! I am very happy!” And I joked and asked her, “is it free?” She shouted, “Yes! It’s free!” She looked excited. And it wasn’t really about the money. She just enjoyed the activities and she felt very involved. — A LKYMS student

I feel the community needs more young people like you all. Sometimes I really cannot figure out the mindsets of some teenagers nowadays. […] Sometimes some teenagers engage themselves in one thing after another and they are all not good for their future […] And it is very disappointing that they don’t want to work hard. But you all have shown hard work and your care for — An Older Adult

All through the activities, I’ve seen that both parties (students and elderly) enjoyed a lot. Especially during the graduation ceremony – I’ve seen that it’s not just the students to host the older adults, but the older adults also did well, and thanked you with a grateful heart. I’ve seen when you’re waving them goodbye, I feel that they are both reluctant to part – the elderly and the students have a certain emotional bonding. I believe both sides have somehow known about each other, and our older adults had a very unforgettable experience. — A Social Worker / Center in-charge