The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the launch of a five-year research initiative, the HKUST Healthy Longevity Study. This pioneering study focuses on older Chinese adults in Hong Kong and aims to uncover the key determinants of "healthy longevity." The findings will provide a scientific foundation for developing more precise and personalized health management strategies, contributing to the advancement of healthy aging across society.
Led by Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President, Morningside Professor of Life Science, and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders, the interdisciplinary research team is generously supported by the Bright Future Charitable Foundation. The study is currently recruiting 500 Chinese seniors aged 90 or above who are able to provide informed consent. Participants will receive complimentary blood tests and basic health assessments, and their lifestyle information will be collected for integrative analysis.
Hong Kong has ranked as the world's longest‑living region for ten consecutive years. The number of residents aged 90 or above increased from approximately 46,000 in 2011 to about 102,000 in 2021. This growing population of long-lived individuals represents a valuable resource for studying the characteristics and biological diversity of healthy longevity within the local Chinese population.
The scientific community generally agrees that longevity arises from the combined effects of multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Research has shown that modifiable factors such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet are associated with a longer lifespan. However, most existing studies are observational in nature and rely largely on statistical associations, with many large-scale studies focusing predominantly on European populations. As a result, the biological mechanisms underlying healthy longevity-particularly in Chinese populations-remain insufficiently explored.
Recent advances in biomarker detection technologies now make it possible to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's health status-including brain health, vascular function, metabolic health, and inflammatory responses-through blood-based biomarkers. Leveraging HKUST's advanced blood-testing and multi-omics data analysis platforms, in combination with artificial intelligence models, this study will conduct an integrative analysis of participants' blood data, clinical information, and lifestyle habits. The study aims to identify biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with healthy longevity, thereby deepening our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of healthy aging. The findings are expected to lay the groundwork for future personalized disease-risk prediction and health-management strategies, ultimately supporting the pursuit of healthy longevity.
President Ip stated, "Population aging is a major challenge facing Hong Kong and the rest of the world, and healthy longevity is a matter of significant social importance. We are deeply grateful to the Bright Future Charitable Foundation for its generous support, which has made the successful launch of this study possible." She added, "At the scientific level, this study has three major objectives. First, it seeks to systematically identify factors associated with healthy longevity, particularly those that are modifiable. By elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms of healthy aging, we aim to lay a foundation for future personalized health-management and intervention strategies. Second, the study will identify genetic factors related to healthy longevity in the Chinese population. Third, we will establish a biobank of biological samples from long-lived Chinese individuals, providing an important resource for future clinical and medical research. We warmly invite eligible seniors to participate and to contribute collectively to advancing healthy aging in Hong Kong."
Dr. Roy CHUNG, Founder and Chairman of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation, remarked, "Hong Kong's rapidly aging population is an undeniable reality. Our goal is not only to extend lifespan, but also to enhance healthspan. The Foundation is honored to support this HKUST-led study, which focuses on local Chinese seniors. By integrating cutting-edge science and technology, the study addresses pressing societal needs and is expected to generate practical, evidence-based insights for personal health management and elderly care. We hope that more seniors will participate so the study's outcomes can benefit society as a whole."
The HKUST Healthy Longevity Study is now recruiting Chinese seniors aged 90 or above. Individuals interested in participating or seeking further information may contact the research team at 2356 3155, or via WhatsApp at 6707 6830.
