The size of the population aged 65 and over is increasing more and more rapidly. In 2018, there were 1301.6 thousand people (17.3% of total population) aged 65 and over, 568.6 thousand people (7.6% of total population) aged 75 and over, and 204.8 thousand people (2.7% of total population) aged 85 and over (Census and Statistics Department, 2019f). The proportion of population aged 65 and over was projected to increase sharply to 31.1% in 2036 and further to 36.6% in 2066 (Census and Statistics Department of HKSAR, 2017).

At the same time, the life expectancy of Hong Kong people is also increasing. The life expectancy at birth in Hong Kong in the year 2008 was 79.4 years for men and 85.5 years for women, while 2018 estimates showed an increment to 82.3 years for men and 87.7 years for women, respectively (Census and Statistics Department, 2019h).

References:

Census and Statistics Department of HKSAR. (2017). Hong Kong Population Projections 2017-2066. Hong Kong: Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Retrieved from https://www.statistics.gov.hk/pub/B1120015072017XXXXB0100.pdf

Census and Statistics Department. (2019f). Table 002: Population by Age Group and Sex. Retrieved 9 October, 2019, from Census and Statistics Department, HKSAR https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/showtablenewexcel.jsp?tableID=002&charsetID=1

Census and Statistics Department. (2019h). Table E484: Hong Kong Life Tables. Retrieved 9 October, 2019, from Census and Statistics Department, HKSAR.