Are We Living Longer and Healthier?

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether we live healthier as we live longer in Hong Kong, which has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Methods: Sullivan's method was used to evaluate the chronic disease-free life expectancy (CDFLE), life expectancy in good self-perceived health (GPHLE), and impairment-free life expectancy (IFLE) among population aged 50 years and older in Hong Kong in 2007-2016. Results: In spite of the marked improvement in life expectancy in Hong Kong, the increase in GPHLE was much smaller, while CDFLE and IFLE even declined for both genders. The situation was more severe among older population. Discussion: People in Hong Kong live longer but with worsening health. The expansion of chronic diseases, self-perceived poor health, and impairments among older adults calls for more fiscal investments, government attention, and public health policies.

Keywords: chronic disease; health expectancies; impairment; life expectancy; self-perceived health.