A Trip to Tianjin: A Story of Warmth

Shin Min Daily News, 天津之旅：温情篇

By Professor Yow Wei Quin, Head of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

(Translation)

This week, we visited the Perennial senior living community in Tianjin, where we invited elderly residents to try out the cognitive games and AI chatbot we designed. To be honest, I went in with some hesitation. Would the seniors be willing to try unfamiliar new technologies? I had expected polite refusals, or even resistance. Instead, Mr and Mrs Tian (pseudonyms) gave me a heartwarming surprise. They were the first residents to volunteer to participate. As they engaged with the cognitive games, smiles spread across their faces and they threw themselves into the activities with enthusiasm. “Keeping the brain active is a good thing!” Mrs Tian said with a laugh.

We guided them through tasks involving visual perception, memory, and attention, as well as cognitive games and conversations with the AI chatbot. Both of them were fully engaged throughout, asking questions proactively and treating mistakes with good humour. They appeared calm, curious, and open-minded. After the session, they invited me into their home, offering us fruit and tea, and shared stories about their lives and health.

Mrs Tian mentioned that she had experienced a mild cerebral aneurysm a few years ago, and since then felt that her memory and thinking speed were not quite what they used to be. They also spoke about common age-related health issues, such as reduced mobility and elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Mr Tian showed us his personal book collection and proudly displayed a handwritten calligraphy piece of the Heart Sutra in gold ink. It was a practice of self-cultivation that requires patience and focus. He also told us that he plays the electronic keyboard in his spare time. As we were leaving, we could indeed hear him practising. “We both love music,” he said. “Whenever there’s a singing activity, we take part.”

As early as 2009, psychologist Becca Levy proposed the Stereotype Embodiment Theory, which suggests that the views we absorb about ageing from a young age become internalised as we grow older, shaping our health and behaviour. When older adults believe that ageing inevitably means decline, they may become withdrawn or passive. Conversely, those who hold positive attitudes towards ageing often remain healthier and more energetic. Mr and Mrs Tian are living examples of this positive approach to ageing. Even in the face of health challenges, they remain open to new experiences, eager to learn, and deeply engaged with life.

Our brains do not age in isolation. Research shows that cognitive function is closely linked to physical health. A long-term study published by Buchman and colleagues in 2011 found that older adults with lower cognitive ability were more likely to develop mobility impairments later on, such as slower walking speed, poorer balance, and reduced ability to manage daily activities. More recently, a 2021 study by Weaver and Jaeggi further demonstrated that active engagement in cognitive activities, such as reading, singing, and writing, helps maintain mental flexibility and build cognitive reserve.

I had thought we were simply going to “test a product.” Yet as I left the Tians’ home, the melody from the electronic keyboard lingered in my ears. It was more than just music, it was a reminder that even in old age, life still holds boundless possibility and brilliance.