Women have surpassed their pre-COVID life expectancy. Men are almost back to 2020 highs. Living in Hong Kong, I appreciate this fact. Hong Kong has one of the longest lifespans (if not the longest) in the world.
Hongkongers’ already impressive life expectancies rose further in 2024 after falling during the pandemic, with women living on average for a record 88.4 years and men for 82.8 years, census figures show.
But a Census and Statistics Department report also underscored the increasing strain on the city’s public healthcare system, with the number of inpatient and day inpatient discharges and deaths in hospitals increasing by 5.8 per cent in a year.
Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea have the longest life expectancies in the world, according to statistics provider Worldometer.
The recently released department report “Women and Men in Hong Kong” said that the life expectancy at birth for women and men in 2024 was 88.4 years and 82.8 years respectively, increasing from 88.1 years and 82.5 years in 2023.
The preliminary figures were significantly better than those in 2022 when exceptionally high mortality rates were reported during the Covid-19 pandemic. That year, the life expectancy for women was 86.8 years and 80.7 years for men.
Amazing. Even male expectancy is ahead of the US by more than three years – a very large amount distributionally. Is healthspan comparably high @DeStrider?
I would say healthspan is better as well. I think it’s due to a lack of obesity and strong family ties. Not to mention Hong Kongers walk a lot. There are a lot of factors. Socialized healthcare is another.
And based on a couple of friends I have, the elders tend to live with their children and grandchildren, even when resources are not an issue.
Is this what you see as well?
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Yes, but not always. Some elders will live on their own. If they are unable to care for themselves they will either live with family or the family will provide them with a live-in maid who will take care of them. Hong Kong is so small, family is always a short commute away.
