Hong Kong Loses Title of World’s Longest Life Expectancy

Hong Kong Loses World’s Longest Life Expectancy Title to Japan Amidst Covid and Stress

Hong Kong residents have lost their title of having the world’s longest life expectancies, as the crown is now held by Japan. The impact of Covid and overall stress has taken a toll on local lifespans in the city.

According to the latest statistics released by the Hong Kong government this week, women in Hong Kong were projected to live until an average age of 86.8 years in 2022, slightly lower than their Japanese counterparts who were expected to live until 87.1 years. Data for 2023 has not yet been made available.

The data also reveal that the life expectancy for men in Hong Kong is 80.7 years, the same as in Singapore. However, it falls short when compared to countries like Sweden, Japan, and Norway.

For many years, Hong Kong consistently ranked at the top in global longevity surveys, surpassing Japan in the early 2000s. However, the city’s residents have been experiencing increasing levels of stress, leading to a decline in their physical and mental health in recent years, exacerbated by social unrest and the ongoing pandemic.

A recent survey conducted by insurance provider Cigna Group highlighted that Hong Kong residents reported the lowest levels of physical, mental, social, and occupational wellbeing among 12 markets, including the U.S., U.K., mainland China, and Singapore. The high cost of living and uncertainty about the future were identified as major stressors in the city.

Furthermore, Hong Kong’s death rate from Covid at one point was the highest in the world. The elderly population was particularly vulnerable to the virus due to higher-density living conditions and lower vaccination rates.

As Hong Kong relinquishes its position as the city with the longest life expectancy, it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to the decline in overall wellbeing. Efforts should be made to alleviate stress, improve access to healthcare, and promote a healthier lifestyle to ensure a better quality of life for Hong Kong residents.