Tracy Lu's Research
To improve healthy aging in society through various scientific approaches, we are eager to explore the social determinants of health in later life and the community-based solutions to respond to those challenges. This is built on three interrelated lines of inquiry:
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How environmental and social-behavioral factors shape well-being and physical and mental health in later life
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Community-based innovation (e.g., timebanking) to promote productive engagement of older persons
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Economic evaluation and impact assessment of the social innovations to promote healthy aging.
Meet Our Team
Our team is composed of dedicated researchers with different academic background, each bringing their unique expertise and skills to the table. Together, we form a collaborative and driven group, committed to achieving excellence in area of healthy ageing and ageing issues.
Prof. Tracy Lu
Principal Investigator / Assistant Professor
Prof. Tracy Lu is an accomplished researcher with a passion for improve healthy aging in society through various scientific approaches. She is the principal and co-investigator to external competitive research grants funded by the Research Grants Council and HK Jockey Club Charities Trust, totaling over HK$ 10 million. Prof. LU obtained Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong) from Research Grants Council in 2023. Prof. LU is actively engaged in knowledge exchange activities and works closely with nonprofit organizations in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.Her leadership and vision drive the research team towards impactful discoveries and advancements.
Dr. Zhuolin Pan
Post-Doc Fellow
Research Background
Dr. Pan earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD in Human Geography from Sun Yat-Sen University, China. Her research explores the intersections of migration and urbanization, age-friendly cities and communities, and health and wellbeing of older adults, with a focus on understanding the spatial and social dimensions that shape wellbeing in urban environments.
Goals within the research team
Dr. Pan’s overarching academic goal is to enhance health and wellbeing through the design and optimization of urban built and social environments. Her current research examines volunteerism, health and wellbeing within the context of age-friendly communities, with a particular focus on how physical and social environments facilitate volunteer engagement and influence health outcomes in later life.
Mr. Alexander Wong
Research Assistant I
Research Background
Alexander Wong (Alex) holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) from City University of Hong Kong. With a background in psychology, his research focuses on marginalised groups, e.g., older adults, sexual minorities, resilience and mental well-being. Intrigued by those people's experiences--elicits a passion to deeply investigate the current social issues that marginalised groups have faced in order to create an inclusive and harmonised social environment. He is proficient in both quantitative and qualitative methods. His work demonstrate a strong capacity of integration of psychological perspective into social policy field.
Goals within the Research Team
As an Research Assistant, Alex aims to leverage his experience in project management, fieldwork, and community collaboration to support team's research. He is committed to applying her skills in data collection, data management, human resources, literature synthesis, and stakeholder engagement to contribute to meaningful, evidence-based projects that address current social issues within Hong Kong.
Ms. Zhizi Zhen Jane
Research Assistant I
Research Background
Zhi Zizhen (Jane) holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from The University of Hong Kong. Her research focuses on social policy, aging, urban governance and and philanthropic development. She is proficient in both quantitative and qualitative methods and has co-authored several academic publications in these fields. Her work demonstrates a strong capacity for empirical research and policy analysis.
Goals within the Research Team
As an Research Assistant, Jane aims to leverage her hands-on experience in project management, fieldwork, and community collaboration to support the team's research on aging and social services. She is committed to applying her skills in data collection, literature synthesis, and stakeholder engagement to contribute to impactful, evidence-based projects that address pressing social issues in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Ms. Lia Ho
Research Assistant I
Research Background
Ms. Ho Wai Yan (Lia) holds a Master Degree in Gerontology and is a registered Social Worker. She is experienced and specialised knowledge in elderly services
Goals within the Research Team
As an research assistant, Lia would like to utlising her background in social work and gerontology to strengthen community-based support systems with evidence-based approach. Dedicating in empowering through lifelong learning, promoting productive aging and enhancing digital inclusion.