Why is Hong Kong the Longest-Living City in the World?

The longevity of Hong Kong residents has long been a global focal point. According to multiple global life expectancy statistics, Hong Kong consistently ranks among the highest in the world, even surpassing Japan.

According to the 2023 Hong Kong Census Report released by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, the population statistics of Hong Kong are as follows:

• Total population: 7.54 million

• Gender distribution:

• Male: 3.47 million

• Female: 4.07 million

• Median age: 46.3 years

• Age distribution:

• 0-14 years: 11.87%

• 15-64 years: 66.76%

• 65 years and above: 21.37%

These figures reflect Hong Kong’s aging population, with 21.37% of its residents aged 65 and above, highlighting an increasing trend in population aging.

Additionally, Hong Kong’s life expectancy ranks among the highest in the world. According to United Nations statistics (2023):

• Average life expectancy for men: 82.5 years

• Average life expectancy for women: 87.9 years

• Overall average life expectancy: 85.5 years

These statistics provide valuable insights into Hong Kong’s population structure and longevity trends.

This phenomenon is attributed to several key factors, including the following:

1. Balanced Diet

• Fusion of Eastern and Western Nutrition: Hong Kong’s cuisine integrates both Chinese and Western dietary principles, emphasizing light, low-oil, and seafood-rich meals. Cantonese cuisine prioritizes steaming, boiling, and slow cooking over deep-frying, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• High Fish Consumption: Hong Kong residents consume large amounts of seafood, particularly fish, which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, benefiting cardiovascular health and brain function.

• Tea Culture: Regular consumption of Pu-erh tea, green tea, and other herbal teas aids in antioxidation, fat reduction, and digestion.

2. Superior Healthcare System

• Abundant Medical Resources: Hong Kong’s healthcare system ranks among the best globally. Government-funded public hospitals provide high-quality, low-cost medical services, ensuring access to excellent treatment for the general population.

• Strong Disease Prevention Awareness: Hong Kong residents exhibit a high level of health consciousness. Notably, Professor Luo Yuankai, a renowned TCM practitioner, actively promoted traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Hong Kong during World War II, significantly contributing to the integration of TCM into local healthcare. One widely known and highly praised TCM remedy in Hong Kong is a classic gynecological herbal soup that has been passed down through generations.

Sang Ji Sheng Boiled Egg Soup

Ingredients:

• Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus chinensis, Chinese Mistletoe) – 10g

• Egg – 1

• Red dates – 3-5 (optional, for blood nourishment and beauty benefits)

• Rock sugar or brown sugar (optional, for taste improvement)

• 500ml water

Preparation Method:

1. Wash the ingredients: Rinse the Sang Ji Sheng thoroughly, and remove pits from red dates if used.

2. Boil the egg: Place the egg in a pot, add water, and boil until fully cooked. Remove the shell and set it aside.

3. Cook the soup:

• Add Sang Ji Sheng and red dates to a pot with 500ml of water.

• Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 20-30 minutes to fully extract the medicinal properties.

4. Add the egg: Place the peeled egg into the pot and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the medicinal benefits to infuse into the egg.

5. Optional sweetening: Add a small amount of rock sugar or brown sugar, stir well, and serve.

Consumption Method:

• Drink the soup first, then eat the egg.

• Recommended intake: 2-3 times per week. For best results, consume for seven consecutive days after each menstrual cycle.

A Guangzhou-based TCM disciple of the author has followed this remedy for 50 years, and even at 70 years old, she continued to menstruate regularly. It was only at 71 years old that she experienced menopause, while her appearance remained youthful, resembling a woman in her 40s, with excellent physical strength and mental clarity.

3. Favorable Climate and Environment

• Humid Marine Climate: Compared to dry or extreme weather conditions, Hong Kong’s subtropical climate helps reduce respiratory diseases.

• Proximity to Nature: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Hong Kong has vast nature reserves and country parks, allowing many residents to engage in hiking, trekking, and seaside walks regularly.

4. Active Lifestyle

• High Walking Rate: With an efficient public transport system, Hong Kong residents walk significantly more in their daily routines, contributing to better cardiovascular health.

• Strong Social Ties: Hong Kong’s tight-knit community culture keeps seniors socially engaged, promoting mental well-being and delaying aging.

5. Deeply Rooted TCM Health Practices

• Widespread Acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Many Hong Kong residents incorporate TCM principles into their daily lives, including herbal tea consumption, qi and blood regulation, and dietary therapy.

• Use of Traditional Therapies: Many people in Hong Kong rely on acupuncture, massage (Tui Na), cupping therapy, and other natural treatments to maintain good health.

6. Low Obesity Rate

• Healthy Diet and Lifestyle: Hong Kong maintains one of the lowest obesity rates globally, which directly reduces the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.

7. High Education and Health Awareness

• High Educational Attainment: With a high level of education, Hong Kong residents generally possess better health knowledge and self-care awareness, leading to effective disease prevention and stress management.

Conclusion

The longevity of Hong Kong residents is not solely attributed to its advanced healthcare system but rather a combination of social structure, dietary habits, lifestyle, environmental conditions, and proactive health practices.