Presenter(s):

Tianma Xu, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore

Abstract

Frailty, a common syndrome among older adults, significantly impacts health outcomes and quality of life. This two-hour workshop aims to equip healthcare professionals and community workers with essential skills to facilitate effective behavioural changes in frailty management in older adults. Participants will explore the theoretical foundations of frailty, the interplay between physical, psychological, and social factors, and the importance of a person-centred approach in care strategies.
Through interactive discussions, case studies, role play and practical exercises, attendees will learn evidence-based techniques for motivating individuals to adopt healthier behaviours (e.g. regular exercises and healthy eating habits), enhance engagement in their care plans, and overcome barriers to change. Key topics will include communication strategies, motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and the use of technology to support behaviour modification. The application of the above concepts in an evidence-based multicomponent frailty management program will be illustrated.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be empowered with actionable skills and tools to foster resilience and improve the well-being of frail individuals, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

Bio(s):

Dr. Tianma Xu (Tim) is an esteemed Occupational Therapy Associate Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and holds a PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Sydney, Australia. He has over 24 years of experience working with older adults and the stroke population in Singapore and Australia. Dr. Xu is a pioneer faculty member in developing the 4-year occupational therapy degree program at SIT. He is an active researcher in aged care and stroke rehabilitation, with a focus on fall prevention and frailty management. His “Say No To Frailty” program has been listed in the National Frailty Strategy Policy Report published by the Singapore Ministry of Health and is currently being implemented in many Active Aging Centres in Singapore. Dr. Xu is also involved in several professional roles, including serving as a member of the Peer Review Group for Stroke to the development of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation, a Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup member at the Singapore Ministry of Health and an expert member of the Singapore Building Construction Authority, an editorial board member in several scientific journals, an SIT Institutional Review Board member.