Even in our city known for its relentlessly fast pace and challenging work-life balance, the need for improved well-being and good health is growing – perhaps imperatively so.
Aligning with global health trends, Hong Kong residents are showing a greater desire to prioritise better living instead of simply longer living. Manulife’s Asia Care Survey 2025 highlights a shift in mindset among participants, with 77 percent of respondents redefining health as the power to live well, live independently, and engage in fulfilling activities as part of their preferred lifestyles, not simply living illness-free.
Hongkongers also appear to be embracing holistic ageing as part of life’s many milestones over maximising lifespan – almost 47 percent of respondents emphasise maintaining good physical and mental health in order to age gracefully, putting personal freedom, dignity, and purpose on equal footing with pursuing longevity, though achieving financial freedom comes at a close second at 41.3 percent.
And how are Hongkongers addressing critical health issues? 68 percent of respondents are embracing preventative health, building up resilience, and taking care of mental health and emotional well-being – all factors identified as key concerns for attaining long-term vitality. Normal ageing is increasingly being seen as less of a negative thing to combat, and the focus is on maintaining a good quality of life instead.
However, another study shows that men have some catching up to do with regards to their health. According to AXA Global Healthcare, men in Hong Kong are less likely to seek help to address serious health issues. In fact, 95 percent of male respondents would rather allocate their time toward repairing broken tech devices than acting swiftly in the face of health concerns (33 percent).
High levels of fatigue and stress don’t faze men either, with only 27 percent and 24 percent of respondents, respectively, answering that they would take action when coming across these symptoms in their day-to-day life. Unsurprisingly, money and professional responsibilities are on the top of their minds instead. 99 percent of men surveyed would immediately take care of a lost mobile phone, 98 percent would prioritise dealing with a lost bank card, and 96 percent would place high importance on responding to a missive from their boss – talk about being married to your work.
AXA Global Healthcare’s study also shares that pet welfare takes an important seat at the table, with 72 percent of respondents likely to take quick action if their pet seemed unwell. Considering that number is higher than men opting to see a professional when faced with their own health (only 64 percent) – well, at least Fido’s well taken care of!
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