The SH Ho Centre for Gerontology and Geriatrics

An Area of Excellence in the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Introduction

The Centre for Gerontology and Geriatrics was established in the second part of 1998, with an opening ceremony and scientific conference in December 1999. The Centre is renamed the SH Ho Centre for Gerontology and Geriatrics following a generous donation from the SH Ho Foundation to support the work of the Centre, with the establishment of fellowships for holistic training in Gerontology and Geriatrics. The objectives of the Centre were:

• To carry out research into the various aspects of the ageing process, the implication of ageing for the Hong Kong populations, and the measures to meet the consequences.
• To provide undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in these areas of vital importance in health care and social welfare, as highlighted in the 1997 Policy Address of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR.
• To further develop networking with other local, mainland Chinese, regional and international organization, to facilitate exchange of expertise and ideas.

Mission

• To enhance the well-being of the elderly population in Hong Kong with respect toe physical, mental, functional and social aspects, through research and application of research findings into health policies to promote healthy ageing and to care for those with diseases and disabilities.
• To carry out research into biological aspects of aging.

Structure

One of the constituent centres of the School of Public Health and Primary Care, the Chinese University of Hong Kong .

It consists of members from nine departments in the Faculties of Medicine and Social Science: Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Community and Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Nursing, Physiology, Psychology, Sociology and Social Work.

Four main research themes

• Clinical gerontology and health services research
• Psychological gerontology
• Social Gerontology
• Biological Gerontology