Cheng Shiu University Partners with the Linyuan Community to Promote Healthy Aging and Community Well-Being during the Dragon Boat Festival

On the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, Cheng Shiu University once again demonstrated its commitment to caring for local seniors through meaningful community engagement. On June 11, the University held the event “A Summer of Love and Health in Linyuan – Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with Wellness and Longevity” at Shengdi Temple in Linyuan District, Kaohsiung. Through a variety of activities focusing on senior care, health promotion, lifelong learning, and community service, the event brought festive warmth to older adults while showcasing the University’s ongoing commitment to University Social Responsibility (USR), community engagement, and sustainable development.

Nine Years of Community Engagement: Building an Age-Friendly Environment

Cheng Shiu University has long been committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities of an aging society. For nine consecutive years, the University has organized Dragon Boat Festival outreach activities in the Linyuan area to support local seniors and strengthen community connections.

President Jui-Chang Kung emphasized that universities should not only fulfill their missions of talent cultivation and academic research but also actively contribute to society through community service. By encouraging faculty members and students to engage directly with local communities, the University is able to understand social needs and transform professional knowledge into practical actions that enhance community development and residents’ well-being.

Over the years, Cheng Shiu University has promoted healthy aging and aging-in-place through initiatives including health promotion, long-term care services, community companionship, and lifelong learning programs. These efforts aim to create an age-friendly environment where older adults can continue living safely and comfortably within their familiar communities.

Delivering Warmth, Respect, and Care to Local Seniors

As part of the event, President Kung led a delegation of faculty and staff members to visit Ms. Kung Huang-Man, a 93-year-old community resident, personally presenting Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings and care packages as expressions of respect and goodwill.

The team later visited a community wellness learning center, where they interacted with senior participants, listened to their life experiences, and learned more about their needs. These exchanges fostered a warm and welcoming holiday atmosphere while strengthening intergenerational connections.

Such long-term engagement not only conveys festive blessings but also reflects Cheng Shiu University’s educational philosophy of promoting social care and intergenerational inclusion. Through participation in community service, students develop empathy, civic responsibility, and a deeper understanding of social issues.

Professional Health Services Enhance Senior Well-Being

Recognizing the growing healthcare needs of an aging population, the event integrated the expertise of faculty members and students from various academic disciplines to provide professional health promotion services.

Professor Cheng-Ta Chou from the Department of Recreation and Sports Management led a team offering therapeutic massage and body alignment services under the theme “Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, Care for Your Muscles and Bones Together.” These services helped alleviate muscle tension and physical discomfort among participating seniors.

Meanwhile, Professor Mei-Jou Lu from the Department of Long-Term Care and Health Management organized a low-frequency electrotherapy massage experience titled “Relax Your Meridians, Lighten Your Body.” Through professional health care interventions, the program aimed to enhance physical comfort, improve well-being, and support healthy living among older adults.

By extending classroom learning into real community settings, Cheng Shiu University enables students to gain valuable practical experience while promoting preventive healthcare awareness and sustainable health practices within local communities.

Lifelong Learning Showcases the Spirit of Active Aging

The event opened with an energetic performance by members of the Community Wellness Learning Center, demonstrating the vitality and enthusiasm of older adults who continue to learn and participate actively in society.

A harmonica performance by instructor Tien-Fa Kung received enthusiastic applause from attendees, further illustrating the positive outcomes of lifelong learning and active aging initiatives.

Cheng Shiu University has long supported community learning centers and wellness education programs, believing that diverse learning opportunities can enhance seniors’ physical and mental health, strengthen social connections, and encourage continued personal growth. These efforts help older adults achieve self-fulfillment while improving their overall quality of life and happiness.

Advancing University Social Responsibility through Community Partnership

A special highlight of the event was the “Sharing Warmth during the Dragon Boat Festival” ceremony. On behalf of the University, President Kung presented handmade rice dumplings prepared by faculty members and students to representatives of local senior residents, symbolizing the University’s care and appreciation for the community.

In return, Village Chief Fang-Sheng Kung presented a certificate of appreciation, recognizing Cheng Shiu University’s long-standing dedication to community service and senior care.

Linyuan District Chief Liang Kong-Cheng praised the University’s continuous commitment to community engagement, noting that Cheng Shiu University has become one of the district’s most valuable partners. Through years of collaboration, the University has provided meaningful support to local residents while strengthening community cohesion and promoting intergenerational interaction.

Looking ahead, Cheng Shiu University will continue integrating teaching, research, and social practice to expand its efforts in health promotion, elder care, and community development. By working closely with local partners, the University seeks to build healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable communities while fulfilling its mission of serving society and creating shared value for future generations.

Media Coverage: Feng Hsin Cable TV – Cheng Shiu University President Returns to His Hometown in Linyuan, Delivering Rice Dumplings and Blessings for Seniors’ Health and Longevity

---