In a fast-moving metropolis like Hong Kong, many people have a less-than-healthy lifestyle. Although the city has one of the highest life expectancies in the world and there has been a more discernible health consciousness among the local population, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the average Hong Kong citizen’s health is far from optimal.

A survey published in 2023 found that over 50% of adults do not meet the level of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization. An unhealthy lifestyle, coupled with an ageing population, could lead to a rise in the number of people suffering from chronic disease. The number of Hong Kong people who have chronic health conditions is projected to increase from 2.2 million in 2020/21 to 3 million by 2039. Statistics show that 10% of the population has diabetes, and around 27% aged 15 or above has hypertension.

Deteriorating mental health among citizens is also a growing concern. Around 13% of our population aged between 16 and 75 have one or more common mental disorders.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club takes a proactive approach to promote healthy living in different life stages. We support a wide array of initiatives, including boosting health system preparedness for future disease outbreaks, providing community dispensing services to enhance disease prevention and self-care, as well as various programmes to promote an active lifestyle and improve the mental health of people from different age groups.