Prof. Karen Chan, Associate Professor and Speech Language Pathologist, is the Director of the Swallowing Research Laboratory and the Programme Director of the BSc. (Speech Language Pathology) at The University of Hong Kong. Prof. Chan is an experienced researcher and clinician in the areas of voice and swallowing disorders in adults. Prof. Chan is the Principal Investigator of several clinical studies funded by external funding bodies. Her recent projects focus on using technology to enhance swallowing rehabilitation for elderly, especially at the residential care facilities. Prof. Chan is also actively involved in community projects with local organizations to increase the public awareness of swallowing disorders and its management.
International Conference on Gerontechnology 2024
Collaborating for the Future of Gerontechnology
Speakers
Prof. Karen CHAN Man-kei
Director of Swallowing Research Laboratory
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Profile
Abstract
Use of Technology to Facilitate Swallowing Management for Older Adults
Institutionalized older adults face a heightened risk of developing swallowing difficulties. Our previous findings indicated that up to 60% of nursing home residents experience some level of swallowing difficulties. Poor oromotor functions, such as tongue weakness, are identified factors that are associated with increased risk of aspiration. Recent findings from our recent systematic review has shown that swallowing strengthening exercises are effective in maintaining or improving oromotor functions in older adults. Despite the proven benefits of these exercises, resource constraints often hinder the provision of adequate support for nursing home residents. To address this challenge, our team is currently developing a series of mobile games known as the ‘Swallowing Gym’ to encourage independent and regular exercise among older adults. Encouragingly, preliminary studies have demonstrated that game-based swallowing exercises can significantly enhance exercise adherence rates in various populations, including healthy older adults, nasopharyngeal cancer survivors, and individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
