Interdisciplinary Integration and Educational Philosophy of the Graduate Institute of Gerontechnology

The Graduate Institute of Gerontechnology, MacKay Medical University emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and the practical application of technologies for older adults. The Institute adopts a needs-driven approach, beginning with real-world challenges and identifying problems from practical applications, then integrating diverse interdisciplinary technologies and design approaches to develop effective solutions.

Gerontechnology is regarded as an interdisciplinary field that integrates social sciences, psychology, physiology, and engineering technologies. The Institute focuses not only on the design of technological products or compensating for age-related physical decline, but also on understanding how older adults interact with technology from broader perspectives, including social relationships, living environments, and family support systems.

Scholars have emphasized that Gerontechnology should not be simply divided into two separate concepts—“aging” and “technology”—but should instead be understood through an integrated perspective that considers both dimensions simultaneously.

Clarifying the interaction between older adults and technology will continue to be an important challenge in future research and design. From the meaning of the term itself, “geron” (representing the needs, experiences, and perspectives of older adults) should take priority over “technology” (technological development). To ensure that technology can effectively enhance older adults’ quality of life, it is essential to first understand their lifestyles, needs, and values.

Curriculum and Research Development

Based on this educational philosophy, the curriculum design includes fundamental theoretical courses such as:

• Special Topics in Gerontechnology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Universal Design

These courses aim to strengthen students’ understanding of essential knowledge related to aging, healthcare, technology applications, and human-centered design.

In terms of research development, the Institute recruits faculty members with expertise in relevant fields and forms interdisciplinary research teams with existing faculty members to address current research challenges. The Institute encourages students and faculty to establish collaborative research teams to solve practical problems while also supporting individual researchers in developing independent research directions in gerontechnology when appropriate.

Interdisciplinary Student Training Model

The Institute plans for approximately half of its students to come from engineering and technology-related academic backgrounds, while the other half are expected to come from professional fields including:

• Clinical medicine
• Design
• Long-term care
• Environmental and interior design

To facilitate interdisciplinary learning, the curriculum provides different foundational courses according to students’ backgrounds:

• For students with engineering and technology backgrounds, additional foundational courses in human physiology and geriatric medicine are provided.
• For students from healthcare, design, and social care backgrounds, additional foundational courses in modern technology development and design principles are offered.

Through this curriculum structure, students from diverse backgrounds can develop shared knowledge foundations, enhance interdisciplinary communication, and create greater opportunities for collaboration on common research topics.

Master’s Degree Graduation Requirements

Through interdisciplinary education, innovative research, and practical applications, the Graduate Institute of Gerontechnology aims to cultivate professionals capable of integrating technology, healthcare, and human-centered perspectives to address the challenges of an aging society.

Curriculum Design

Curriculum Planning

The curriculum of the Graduate Institute of Gerontechnology, MacKay Medical University is designed based on the core concepts of “Aging, Technology, Humanities, and Healthcare.” The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and practical applications, cultivating professionals capable of addressing the diverse needs of an aging society through technology innovation, healthcare knowledge, and human-centered design.

The curriculum is organized into common courses, foundational knowledge courses, and five major research domains, including Aging and Intergenerational Innovation, Smart and Age-Friendly Environment, Communication and Information Interaction, Physical and Mobility Support, and Health Empowerment and Resilience.

Common Courses

Fundamental Knowledge Courses

Research Domains and Related Courses

1. Aging and Intergenerational Innovation Research

2. Smart and Age-Friendly Environment Research

3. Communication and Information Interaction Research

4. Physical and Mobility Support Research

5. Health Empowerment and Resilience Research

Through this curriculum framework, the Institute integrates gerontology, healthcare, engineering, information technology, design, and social sciences, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to develop interdisciplinary competencies and create innovative solutions for healthy aging and age-friendly societies.