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Museum of History project "Journey for Active Minds" (with photos)
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     The Hong Kong Museum of History is currently running an arts and culture programme specially designed for the elderly and people with Alzheimer's disease. Titled "Journey for Active Minds: Jockey Club Museum Programme for the Elderly", this is the first time the museum has been involved in such a venture.

     The 18-month pilot project, which runs from March 2014 to August next year, is organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History in collaboration with Art in Hospital and is solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It is specially designed to help stimulate the long-term memory of the elderly and people with Alzheimer's disease, and also aims to help them to integrate with the community through participation in a variety of museum activities.

     The project's launch ceremony was held today (June 3) at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Officiating guests included the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Ms Susanna Siu; the Executive Director, Charities of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Douglas So; the Chairman of the Elderly Commission, Professor Alfred Chan; the Deputy Director of the SH Ho Centre for Gerontology and Geriatrics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Director of the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing, Professor Timothy Kwok, and the Director of the Art in Hospital, Ms Grace Cheng.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Siu said that the museum is the first in Hong Kong to provide special guided tours and tailor-made activities for Alzheimer patients. Since March this year, the museum has invited the elderly and people with Alzheimer's disease to take part in interactive activities such as guided tours of its permanent and special exhibitions, as well as workshops. The museum also sends teams to conduct outreach workshops at elderly care centres. The museum will organise an exhibition to showcase participants' works and publish an exhibition catalogue as a finale to the pilot project.

     Ms Siu also noted that the museum has invited people from various professions including academics, healthcare professionals, occupational therapists and artists to advise docents, museum staff and caregivers of Alzheimer patients and ensure the project is run effectively.

     Ms Siu added that an evaluation will be carried out to assess the impact and effectiveness of this project, as well as how the education activities provided by the museum have helped enhance their quality of life.

     The project is now open for application to groups with 20 or more people. For more information and/or to obtain an application form, please contact the Art in Hospital during office hours on 9388 5365.

Ends/Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:39

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