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Sau Po Centre ON Ageing

The Sau Po Centre on Ageing is a leading research centre on gerontology in China and in the Asian Pacific region. The Centre was officially launched in April 1999 under the auspices of the Faculty of Social Sciences of The University of Hong Kong. With an endowment from Mr. Kwok Sau-po, the Centre was renamed the Sau Po Centre on Ageing in 2002.

Through research, education and knowledge exchange activities, the Centre is enhancing the quality-of-life of older people in China, overseas Chinese societies and in the Asian Pacific region.  In particular, we hope to achieve optimal independency of older adults at the individual and family levels; and to foster an age-friendly environment in both community and organizational levels. 

Research and Projects

Our Research

The Centre focuses on enhancing the quality of life of elderly through gerontology research. We have a strong research team which comprises experts in different areas of gerontology.

25+

Years in Research

160 +

Rich experience in projects

250M +

Solid foundation

530 +

Academic Publications

Projects

01/04/2024 - 30/09/2027
Jockey Club “Stand-by U” Caregivers Community Support Project
This project provides in-home respite services for caregivers of homebound older adults, aiming to alleviate caregiver burden and improve overall well-being. The project involves two types of service providers: volunteers who assist caregivers of older adults with mild care needs, and substitute caregivers who provide more comprehensive support for those with moderate care needs. By tailoring services to the level of caregiving needs, we seek to address the diverse needs of this caregiving population.
Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Dr. Peiyi LU; Dr. Zohar LEDERMAN; Professor Edward Chin Man LO
Funding Body: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust 香港賽馬會慈善信託基金

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01/03/2023 - 29/02/2028
Jockey Club Carer Space Project

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has initiated and funded the Jockey Club Carer Space Project (the Project) in 2023. The Project, with an approved funding of over HK$290 million, adopts a carer-centric approach to provide and connect carers to timely and appropriate services. The Project establishes carer-centric service centres in different districts to serve more than 29,000 carers and 13,000 older adults with care needs in 5 years, as well as to increase public awareness on carers needs and promote a carer-friendly community.

Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Professor Terry Y. S. LUM; Professor Tarani CHANDOLA; Professor Wai Sze CHAN; Professor Jianchao QUAN
Funding Body: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust 香港賽馬會慈善信託基金

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01/02/2025 - 31/01/2028
Jockey Club SO.ME.CARE Carer Support Project

This project evaluates the Jockey Club SO.ME.CARE Carer Support Project, a three-year social–medical collaborative intervention for high-risk older patients discharged from Tai Po and Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospitals and their family carers. Using screening-guided triage, caregivers receive risk-stratified, carer-centred interventions ranging from workshops to intensive casework and CareCher peer support. Outcomes focus on caregiving competence, caregiver health, quality of life, mental wellbeing, and reduced hospital readmissions.

Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Mr. Nan XIA; Mr. Heman LEUNG; Ms. Kunyi ZHOU
Funding Body: The Salvation Army 救世軍
01/07/2025 - 30/06/2028
Tai Po Hidden Carers Support and Home Based Respite Project

This project focuses on identifying and supporting hidden caregivers within Tai Po district. The study aims to explore how social connectedness and community support can serve as vital resources to bolster their resilience and well-being during caregiving, through providing a variety of supports including escorting, home visit, and in-home respite services.

Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Dr. Linda Dongling WANG; Dr. Roza Nga-yan HUI
Funding Body: Hong Kong Federation of Women's Centres
01/06/2025 - 31/05/2026
Aberdeen Kai-Fong Welfare Association Big Data Project

This project aims to build on the existing achievements of our collaboration with AKA over the past few years. New proposal focuses on leveraging previous achievements to explore new research questions that further show case in relating to how academic-community collaboration leveraged on bid data could enhance elderly care services.

Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Ms. Nora Yee-mei NG
Funding Body: Aberdeen Kai-Fong Welfare Association 香港仔坊會
01/01/2025 - 31/12/2026
Ambivalence in Decision Making for Independent Outdoor Mobility among Adult Child Carers of People with Dementia

Independent outdoor mobility (IOM) is vital for older adults’ quality of life but poses challenges for those with dementia. Caregivers, especially adult children in Chinese contexts, often face ambivalence when balancing safety and autonomy in IOM decisions. This study proposes a biopsychosocial model integrating Behavior Reasoning Theory and prospect theory, using a Delphi study and a randomized vignette experiment with eye-tracking. It aims to explore caregivers’ decision mechanisms and inform person-centered interventions to enhance autonomy and safety in IOM for people with dementia.

Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Dr. Clio Yuen Man CHENG; Professor Janet HuiWen HSIAO; Professor Jennifer YeeMan TANG; Professor Hector Wing-hong TSANG; Professor Jacqueline Kwan Yuk YUEN;
Funding Body: Research Grants Council - General Research Fund 研究資助局 - 優配研究金
01/09/2024 - 31/08/2027
Jockey Club Carer Companionship Project: Support for Carers of Elders with Cognitive Impairment​

Carers play a critical role in supporting people with cognitive impairment. However, they often experience substantial emotional, physical, and practical burdens. We adopted an innovative Carer-Centric Co-Creation (C4) Framework to develop a carer-centred, data-informed project to meet the needs of both people with cognitive impairment and their carers. A structured screening tool was employed to facilitate the holistic understanding and stratification of carer needs. A standardised workflow, intervention protocols, implementation procedures, and key performance indicators were developed to guide the implementation of the project.

Principal Investigator: Professor Vivian W. Q. LOU
Co-Investigators: Mr. Nan XIA; Mr. Heman LEUNG; Ms. Kunyi ZHOU
Funding Body: Pok Oi Hospital 博愛醫院

Knowledge Exchange

Assessments & Interventions

30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST)

Jones, C.J., Rikli, R.E., & Beam, W.C. (1999). A 30-s chair stand test as a measure of lower body strength in community-residing older adults. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 70, 113-119.

Macfarlane, D. J., Cheng, Y. H., Chou, K. L., & Chi, I. (2003). Validation of the 30-second chair stand test in elderly Hong Kong Chinese. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 70, 113-119 Jones, C.J., Rikli, R.E., & Beam, W.C. (1999). A 30-s chair stand test as a measure of lower body strength in community-residing older adults. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 70, 113-119. Lawton, M. P., & Brody, E. M. (1970). Assessment of older people: Self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. Gerontologist ,9, 179-186.

Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL)

Katz, S., Ford, A. B., Moskowitz, R. W., Jackson, B. A., & Jaffe, M. W. (1963). Studies of Illness in the Aged: The Index of ADL: A Standardized Measure of Biological and Psychosocial Function. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 185, 914–919.

Chi, I., &Boey, K. W. (1994). A mental health and social support study of the old-old in Hong Kong. (Resource Paper Series No.22). Hong Kong :The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work& Social Administration. Katz, S., Ford, A. B., Moskowitz, R. W., Jackson, B. A., & Jaffe, M. W. (1963). Studies of Illness in the Aged: The Index of ADL: A Standardized Measure of Biological and Psychosocial Function. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 185, 914–919. Lawton, M. P., & Brody, E. M. (1970). Assessment of older people: Self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. Gerontologist ,9, 179-186.

Carer Need Screening Tool

Lou, V. W., Chan, S. K. L., Tang, V. M. Y., Chandola, T., Chan, W. S., Quan, J., … & Leung, D. K. Y. (2025). Development and Validation of a Carer Need Screening Tool (CNST-11) for Carers of Older Adults: A Need Stratified Tool for Services Matching. The Gerontologist, gnaf151.

Lou, V. W., Chan, S. K. L., Tang, V. M. Y., Chandola, T., Chan, W. S., Quan, J., ... & Leung, D. K. Y. (2025). Development and Validation of a Carer Need Screening Tool (CNST-11) for Carers of Older Adults: A Need Stratified Tool for Services Matching. The Gerontologist, gnaf151.

Chinese Tradition Scale (CTS)

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Mjelde-Mossey, L.A., Chi, I., & Lou, V.W.Q.(2005). Assessing tradition in Chinese elders living in a changing social environment: Implications for social work practice. Journal of Human Behaviour in the Social Environment, 11, 41-57. /

Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory

Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Billig, N. (1986). Agitated behaviors in the elderly I: A conceptual review, Journal of American Geriatric Society, 34, 711-721.

Lai, C.K.Y. (2002). The use of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory in the assessment of agitation in people with dementia: Applicability in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Journal of Geronlogy, 14, 66-69. Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Billig, N. (1986). Agitated behaviors in the elderly I: A conceptual review, Journal of American Geriatric Society, 34, 711-721.

Dementia Rating Scale (DRS)

Mattis, S. (1998). Dementia Rating Scale Professional Manual. USA: Psychological Assessment Resources Inc.

Chan, I.H.L., & Siu, A.M.H. (2005). A study of the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Dementia Rating Scale. International Psychogeriatrics, 17, 69–79. Mattis, S. (1998). Dementia Rating Scale Professional Manual. USA: Psychological Assessment Resources Inc.

Direct Assessment of Functional Abilities

Karagiozis, H.,Gray, S.,J.,Shapiro,M.,&Kawas, C.(1998). The direct Assessment of Functional Abilities (DAFA): A comparison to an indirect measure of Instumental Activities of Daily Living. Gerontologist, 38, 113-121.

Chou, K.L. (2001). Direct Assessment of Functional Abilities (DAFA): A vaildation study with Hong Kong Chinese elders. Clinical Gerontologist, 23,55-64. Karagiozis, H.,Gray, S.,J.,Shapiro,M.,&Kawas, C.(1998). The direct Assessment of Functional Abilities (DAFA): A comparison to an indirect measure of Instumental Activities of Daily Living. Gerontologist, 38, 113-121.

Euthanasia Attitudes Scale, (EAS)

Tordella, M.A., & Neutens, J.K. (1979). An instrument to appraise attitudes of college students toward euthanasia. The Journal of School Health, 19, 351-352.

Fok, S.Y., Chong, A. M.L., & Tang, K.C. (2000). Public and doctors' s attitudes of college students towards euthanasia. The Journal of School Health, 49, 351-352. Tordella, M.A., & Neutens, J.K. (1979). An instrument to appraise attitudes of college students toward euthanasia. The Journal of School Health, 19, 351-352.

General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)

Goldberg, D. P. (1972). The detection of psychiatric illness by questionnaire: A technique for the identification and assessment of non-psychotic psychiatric illness. London:Oxford University. Press.

Chi, I., &Boey, K. W. (1994). A mental health and social support study of the old-old in Hong Kong. (Resource Paper Series No.22). Hong Kong :The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work& Social Administration. Goldberg, D. P. (1972). The detection of psychiatric illness by questionnaire: A technique for the identification and assessment of non-psychotic psychiatric illness. London:Oxford University. Press.

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Blink, T.L., Yesavage, J.A., Lum, O., Heerssema, P.H., Adey, M., & Rose, T.L. (1982). Screening tests for geriatric depression, Clincal Gerontologist, 1, 37-43.

Lee, H.C. B., Chiu, H. F. K., Kowk, W. Y., Leung, C. M., Kwong, P.K., & Chung, D.W.S. (1993). Chinese elderly and the GDS short form: A preliminary study. Clinical Gerontologist, 14, 37–42. Blink, T.L., Yesavage, J.A., Lum, O., Heerssema, P.H., Adey, M., & Rose, T.L. (1982). Screening tests for geriatric depression, Clincal Gerontologist, 1, 37-43.

Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS)

Heisel, M.J., Flett, G.L., & Besser, A. (2002). Cognitive functioning and geriatric suicide ideation: Testing a mediatinal model.American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10, 428-436

Chou, K.L., Jun, L.W., & Iris Chi (2005). Assessing Chinese older adults' suicidal ideation scale. Aging and Mental Health, 9, 167-171. Heisel, M.J., Flett, G.L., & Besser, A. (2002). Cognitive functioning and geriatric suicide ideation: Testing a mediatinal model.American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10, 428-436

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL)

Katz, S., Ford, A. B., Moskowitz, R. W., Jackson, B. A., & Jaffe, M. W. (1963). Studies of Illness in the Aged: The Index of ADL: A Standardized Measure of Biological and Psychosocial Function. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 185, 914–919.

Chi, I., &Boey, K. W. (1994). A mental health and social support study of the old-old in Hong Kong. (Resource Paper Series No.22). Hong Kong :The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work& Social Administration. Katz, S., Ford, A. B., Moskowitz, R. W., Jackson, B. A., & Jaffe, M. W. (1963). Studies of Illness in the Aged: The Index of ADL: A Standardized Measure of Biological and Psychosocial Function. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 185, 914–919. Lawton, M. P., & Brody, E. M. (1970). Assessment of older people: Self-maintaining and instrumental activities of daily living. Gerontologist ,9, 179-186.

Life Satisfaction Index – Three-Factor Version (LSI-A3F)

Adams, D.L. (1969).Analysis of Life Satisfaction Index. Journal of Genrontogy, 24, 470-474

Chi, I.,& Boey, K. W.(1992). Validation of measuring instruments of mental health status of the elderly in Hong Kong (Resource Paper Series No.17). Hong Kong : The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work & Social Administration Adams, D.L. (1969).Analysis of Life Satisfaction Index. Journal of Genrontogy, 24, 470-474

Life Satisfaction Index (LSI)

Neugarten, B.L., Havighurst, R.J.,&Tobin, S.S.(1961). The measurement of life satisfaction. Journal of Gerontology, 16, 134-143.

Chi, I., &Boey, K. W. (1994). A mental health and social support study of the old-old in Hong Kong. (Resource Paper Series No.22). Hong Kong :The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work& Social Administration. Neugarten, B.L., Havighurst, R.J.,&Tobin, S.S.(1961). The measurement of life satisfaction. Journal of Gerontology, 16, 134-143.

Life Satisfaction Scales for Chinese Elders (LSS-C)

Lou, V. W. Q.*, Chi, I., & Mjelde-Mossey, L. A. (2008) Development and validation of a Life Satisfaction Scale for Chinese Elders. The international Journal of Aging & Human Development, 67(2), 149-170. https://doi.org/10.2190/ag.67.2.c

Lou, V. W. Q.*, Chi, I., & Mjelde-Mossey, L. A. (2008) Development and validation of a Life Satisfaction Scale for Chinese Elders. The international Journal of Aging & Human Development, 67(2), 149-170. https://doi.org/10.2190/ag.67.2.c

Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS)

Lubben, J.E.(1988). Assessing social networks among elderly populations. Family and Community Health, 11,42-52.

Chi, I.,& Boey, K. W.(1992). Validation of measuring instruments of mental health status of the elderly in Hong Kong (Resource Paper Series No.17). Hong Kong : The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work & Social Administration Lubben, J.E.(1988). Assessing social networks among elderly populations. Family and Community Health, 11,42-52.

MOS 36-item Short- Form Health Survey (SF-36)

Ware, J.E., Snow, K.K., Kosinski, M., & Gandek, B. (1993). SF-36 Health Survey Manual & Interpretation Guide, BostonL The Health Institude.

Lam, C.L.K., Gandek, B., Ren, X.S., & Chan, M.S.(1998) Tests of scaling assumptions and construct validity of the Chinese (HK)version of the SF-36 Health Survey. Journal of Clinical Epidemiologym, 51, 1139-1147. Ware, J.E., Snow, K.K., Kosinski, M., & Gandek, B. (1993). SF-36 Health Survey Manual & Interpretation Guide, BostonL The Health Institude.

Measuring Grandparenthood Stress and Reward

Wei‐Qun, L. V., & Chi, I. (2008). Measuring grandparenthood stress and reward: Developing a scale based on perceptions by grandparents with adolescent grandchildren in Hong Kong. Geriatrics & gerontology international, 8(4), 291-299.

Minimum Data Set for Home Care Assessment (MDS-HC)

Morris, J.N. Fries, B.E., Bernabei, R., Steel, R.K., Ikegami, N., & Carpenter, G.I., Gilgen, R., Dupasquier, J., Frijters, D., Henrard, J., Hirdes, J.P., &Belleville-Taylor, P. (2002) RAI – Home Care (RAI-HC) assessment manual for verson 2.0. Bonston: interRAI.

Kwan, C.W., Chi, I., Lam, T.P., Lam, K.F. & Chou, K. L. (2000). Validation of minimum data set for home care assessment instrument (MDS-HC) for Hong Kong Chinese elders. Clinical Gerontologist, 21, 35-48. Morris, J.N. Fries, B.E., Bernabei, R., Steel, R.K., Ikegami, N., & Carpenter, G.I., Gilgen, R., Dupasquier, J., Frijters, D., Henrard, J., Hirdes, J.P., &Belleville-Taylor, P. (2002) RAI - Home Care (RAI-HC) assessment manual for verson 2.0. Bonston: interRAI.

Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire – 39 Item Version (PDQ-39)

Peto, V., Jenkinson,C.,Fitzpatrick,R.,&Greenhall, R.(1995). The development and validation of a short measure of functioning and well being for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Quality if Life Research, 4, 241-248.

Tsang, K.L., Chi, I.,Ho, S.L., Lou, V.W.Q., Lee,T.M.C.,&Chu, L.W.(2002). Translation and validation of the standard Chinese version of PDQ-30: A quality-of-life measure for patients with Parkinson's diseae. Movement Disorders, 17,1036-1040 Peto, V., Jenkinson,C.,Fitzpatrick,R.,&Greenhall, R.(1995). The development and validation of a short measure of functioning and well being for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Quality if Life Research, 4, 241-248.

Selection, Optimization and Compensation Questionnaire (SOCQ)

Freund, A.M. & Baltes, P.B. (2002). Life-management strategies of selection, optimizationandcompensation: Measurement by self-reort and construct validity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 642,662.

Chou, K.L., & C, I. (2001). Selection, Optimization, and Compensation Questionnaire: A validation study with Chinese older adults. Clinical Gerontologist, 24, 141-151. Freund, A.M. & Baltes, P.B. (2002). Life-management strategies of selection, optimizationandcompensation: Measurement by self-reort and construct validity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 642,662.

SHORT Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation (SHORT CARE)

Golden, P., Teresi, J., Gurland,B. (1984). Development of indicator scales for the comprehensive assessment and referral evaluation. Journal of Gerontology, 2, 138-146.

Golden, P., Teresi, J., Gurland,B. (1984). Development of indicator scales for the comprehensive assessment and referral evaluation. Journal of Gerontology, 2, 138-146.

Social Engagement Scale (SES)

Mor, V., Branco, K., Fleishman, J., Hawas, C., Phillips, C., Morris, J., & Fries, B. (1995). The structure of social engagement among nursing home residents. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 50B, P1-8.

Lai, C. K. Y., Chi, I., & Kayser-Jones, J. (2004). A randomized controlled trial of a specific reminiscence approach to promote the well-being of nursing home residents with dementia. International Psychogeriatrics, 16(1), 33–49. Mor, V., Branco, K., Fleishman, J., Hawas, C., Phillips, C., Morris, J., & Fries, B. (1995). The structure of social engagement among nursing home residents. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 50B, P1-8.

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

Bohn, M.J., Babor, T.F.,& Kranzler, H.R. (1995). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): Validation of a screening instrument for use in medical settings. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 56, 423-432.

Leung, S.F.,& Arthur, D.(2000). The alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT): Validation of an instrument for enhancing nursing practice in Hong Kong. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 37, 57-64. Bohn, M.J., Babor, T.F.,& Kranzler, H.R. (1995). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): Validation of a screening instrument for use in medical settings. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 56, 423-432.

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)

Radloff, L.S. (1977). The CES-D Scle: A self-report depression scale for research in the General population. Applied Psychological Measurement ,1, 385-401.

Chi, I.,& Boey, K. W.(1992). Validation of measuring instruments of mental health status of the elderly in Hong Kong (Resource Paper Series No.17). Hong Kong : The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work & Social Administration Radloff, L.S. (1977). The CES-D Scle: A self-report depression scale for research in the General population. Applied Psychological Measurement ,1, 385-401.

The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ)

Pfeiffer, E.(1975). A short portabe mental status questionnaire for the assessment of organic brain deficit in elderly patients. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 10, 433-441.

Chi, I.,& Boey, K. W.(1992). Validation of measuring instruments of mental health status of the elderly in Hong Kong (Resource Paper Series No.17). Hong Kong : The University of Hong Kong, Department of Social Work & Social Administration Pfeiffer, E.(1975). A short portabe mental status questionnaire for the assessment of organic brain deficit in elderly patients. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 10, 433-441.

The World Health Organization Quality of Life

World Health Organization.(1997). Development of the WHOQOL-BREF from the WHOQOL-100. Geneva: World Health Oraganization

Leung, K.F., Wong, W.W.,Tay,M.S.M.,Chu,M.M.L.,&Ng,S.S.W.(2005) Development and validation of the interview version of the Hong Kong Chinese WHOQOL-BREF, Quality of Life Research, 14,1414-1419. World Health Organization.(1997). Development of the WHOQOL-BREF from the WHOQOL-100. Geneva: World Health Oraganization

簡易應對方式量表

Edwards, J.R., &O’Neill R.M. (1998). The constuct validity of scores on the ways of coping questionnaire: Confirmatory analysis of alternative factor structures. Educational & Psychological Measurement, 58, 955-983.

解亞寧(1998)易應對方式量表信度和效度的初步研究。中國臨床心理雜誌，6，114-115 Edwards, J.R., &O'Neill R.M. (1998). The constuct validity of scores on the ways of coping questionnaire: Confirmatory analysis of alternative factor structures. Educational & Psychological Measurement, 58, 955-983.
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