Editorial | Hongkongers’ longevity a point of pride and opportunity for city

Census and Statistics Department figures show life expectancy in Hong Kong increased in 2024, as it did in 2023, after a drop during the Covid-19 pandemic. Women are, at birth, expected to live until the grand old age of 88.4 years old, a record high. For men, the anticipated lifespan is 82.8.

Hong Kong’s life expectancy is the highest in the world, according to statistics provider Worldometer. This has been attributed to relatively high income levels, readily available medical care, social safety nets and a healthy diet and lifestyle. All of this is encouraging.

The willingness of women to seek help and to socialise contributes to their ability to lead longer lives. Steps must be taken to encourage men to engage more and to reach out when they need support.

But there are more complex issues to be tackled. The latest statistics record a 4.7 per cent drop in the number of children under the age of 15 last year, continuing a decline seen in each of the two years before that. Meanwhile, the proportion of residents over 65 is expected to reach a third by 2043. The trend poses many challenges but also brings opportunities.

There are concerns about the increasing pressure placed on the health system, underlining the importance of a shift towards primary care and prevention. A broad spectrum of policies is needed, ranging from safeguarding at-risk elderly people living alone to ensuring residents have sufficient financial means to support themselves in retirement. Steps to improve the design of infrastructure and make facilities more accessible to the elderly are belatedly being taken. Improvements to end-of-life care are also required.