The Centre on Ageing was officially launched in April 1999 at the University of Hong Kong. In 2002, the Centre was the beneficiary of an endowment from Mr. Kwok Sau-po and was then renamed the Sau Po Centre on Ageing.

The Centre is committed to excellence and innovation, and focuses on enhancing the quality of life of older persons through gerontology research, education, and policy advocacy. Members and research fellows come from different parts of the world and have been trained in more than 14 diverse disciplines.