Four research projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have secured funding in the Research Grants Council’s (RGC) 2026/27 funding exercises, with total grants exceeding HK$124 million. PolyU ranks among the top local universities in terms of the number of funded projects. Among them, Professor Xue BAI, Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, has been awarded HK$16.63 million under the Strategic Topics Grant (STG) for a project on the silver economy.
Details of the funded project are as follows:
STG
| Project Coordinator | Prof. Xue BAI Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences and Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies |
| Project Title | Empowering an Inclusive, Age-Friendly Silver Economy in Hong Kong: From Longitudinal Evidence to Intergenerational Multi-stakeholder Action |
| Abstract | As Hong Kong rapidly transitions into a super-aged society, adults aged 65 and above are projected to comprise over one-third of the population by 2043. Despite a large and growing global “silver” market, research indicates that fewer than a quarter of silver consumers are satisfied with current market offerings, while financial insecurity remains widespread. To resolve these issues, the project establishes a pioneering "Silver Evidence-to-Action Empowerment" framework. It adopts a dual-engine strategy: enhancing silver consumers’ financial capability, preparedness and well-being on the demand side, while building age-friendly market capacity to meet more informed needs on the supply side.
This interdisciplinary initiative leverages a representative longitudinal survey of over 5,000 silver consumers to identify genuine needs and key market drivers. Through co-creation workshops with intergenerational ambassadors and multi-stakeholders, the team will translate findings into evidence-based, “Motivational Interviewing-guided” interventions. These interventions will be delivered through flexible in-person and digital platforms, with their effectiveness rigorously evaluated via cluster randomised controlled trials. Ultimately, the project aims to position Hong Kong as a global silver economy leader—driving policy, education and industry towards inclusive growth and an age-friendly society. |
| Funding | HK$16.63 million |
