No one disputes the rather stark figures we are confronted with. In 2021, the number of births in Hong Kong fell below 40,000 for the first time in more than 50 years. By 2033, 30% of the population of Hong Kong will be over 65.
We know the reasons why: people are putting off starting families while better health and livelihoods extend lives. We also know that the trend is not unique to this city but applies to many other economies around the world. There are many studies, analyses and even governmental policy documents that expand on these themes, the reasons for this imbalance in demographics, the burden placed on the sandwich generation as a result, and what could or should be done as a counterbalance to help cities and countries grow economically and socially.