Blue Zones in Hong Kong? Searching for Areas of Exceptional Longevity in the Longest-Living Territory in the World

Roland Rau, University of Rostock & Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Stuart Gietel-Basten, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Since overtaking Japan in 2016, Hong Kong has maintained the highest life expectancy globally. This study investigates potential "blue zones'" within Hong Kong - districts exhibiting exceptional longevity. Utilizing microdata from the Census and Statistics Department, we analyzed mortality data for all deaths across 18 districts in 2011, 2016, and 2021. Our preliminary findings reveal significant disparities in life expectancy, with the highest values observed in districts like Wan Chai and the Islands, contrasting sharply with Yau Tsim Mong. Notably, socio-economic factors, particularly median household income, correlate strongly with life expectancy, suggesting systemic causes behind these differences. Despite the absence of a clear geographical pattern, the consistency in rankings for both genders indicates that factors influencing longevity may transcend typical male mortality risks. Future analyses will explore the robustness of these findings across years, assess non-socio-economic influences such as air quality, and examine disease-specific mortality rates to further elucidate the unique longevity landscape of Hong Kong. This research aims to contribute valuable insights into the remarkable longevity of this densely populated, high-income region, offering lessons for global health initiatives.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Spatial Demography, Census data

See extended abstract.