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Are you ready to live longer?

Longevity Risks Every Gen Z Must Know

 

10-min read

Updated on 2026-5-27

Author: AIA Content Editorial Team

Hong Kong Gen Z longevity lifestyle and future planning
Hong Kong is one of the world's longest-living cities1,2, and Gen Z has the potential to become the longest-living generation in history. 
 
As life continues to lengthen and uncertainties increase, how to prepare early for the future and maintain stability and quality of life at different life stages is becoming an important issue that cannot be overlooked by the younger generation.
 
As Gen Z, what are the key risks to be aware of?

Hong Kong's social resources are becoming increasingly tight? 3 major risks to longevity are gradually emerging

The rapid ageing of Hong Kong's population is not an abstract issue, but a core factor that will affect the quality of life of the younger generation. According to demographic data:
 
  • By 2025, 32.1% of the population will be aged 60 or above1
  • Life expectancy at birth in Hong Kong is 82.7 years for male and 88.2 years for female2
This demographic change poses the following long-term challenges:

1. Public healthcare waiting times are expected to become longer

The larger the elderly population, the higher the demand for medical care, and the greater the pressure on the public healthcare system. 
 
For younger people, future medical consultations or examinations may involve longer waiting times. Any delay in treatment may not only affect recovery outcomes, but also disrupt work arrangements and income stability, disrupt established daily routines, and have a longer-term impact on overall quality of life.

2. Social resources are oriented towards the needs of the elderly and support for young people may be reduced

As public expenditure shifts towards healthcare, welfare and elderly services, fewer resources will be available for other areas such as youth support. Elderly care resources will only become increasingly strained, making reliance on social welfare in old age an unrealistic expectation. 

3. Taxes and social costs may increase, with Gen Z likely becoming the main group bearing the burden

The decline in the working population means that the tax base is narrowing, and the younger generation needs to take on greater economic responsibility. Increased financial pressure may also limit lifestyle choices and flexibility. 

How can longevity risks be managed? Early long-term planning is key

As life expectancy continues to increase, stability and the ability to adapt become even more important. The following two approaches can help you gradually build a more stable and sustainable long-term life plan.

Step 1: Establish a clear financial budgeting framework

Allocate income effectively to balance both current needs and future goals. 
 
Suggested financial budget allocation (flexible adjustments are sufficient).
Project Recommended ratio Function/Purpose
Pleasure budget (without sacrificing happiness) 25–45% For travel, hobbies, experiences and quality of life
Preparing for the future (with the confidence to face longevity/career changes) 25–40% For savings and building passive income
Protection budget (reducing uncontrollable risks). 15–25% For medical insurance (e.g. VHIS), critical illness coverage, accident protection, health checks, and physical and mental health management
Critical illness is affecting younger age groups3, and if it occurs, potential impacts include:
 
  • Income Disruption: due to long recovery periods
  • Huge medical expenses: that quickly consume savings
  • Limited treatment options: as immediate access to suitable care may not be available
 
Therefore, consider the following:
 
  • VHIS: To upgrade medical options and shorten waiting times
  • Critical Illness coverage: proving a lump sum payout to support treatment and daily living needs
 
How to make your budgeting more practical? 
 
  • Review your budget every six months: as income, goals, and expenses change; and 
  • Set Auto Save, Auto Invest as Default: Make financial habits automated, easier

Step 2: Integrate "preparation" into everyday life

Long-term preparation doesn't necessarily require major lifestyle changes. Small, consistent habits can gradually build lasting advantages.
 
  • Automated savings: Automatically set aside a portion of income for future reserves after payroll
  • Health management: Basic physical examination every year and develop regular exercise habits
  • Micro-upgrade yourself: Learn one practical skill every year to stay adaptable in the future
Take advantage of the benefits of being Gen Z - more room for trial and error and faster adjustments. The sooner you start building basic reserves and protections for yourself, the less likely you will be to be disrupted by changes in the future. These seemingly small preparations will later translate into real flexibility and choice.

In an era of longevity, preparing early is key to securing your future

As health, financial, and social conditions continue to evolve, the earlier you build a solid foundation, the better you can maintain stability and autonomy at different stages of life.
 
Starting today, lay a strong foundation for a longer life ahead, so you can navigate each stage with greater confidence and peace of mind.
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This information is for general reference only and does not constitute sales advice, product recommendations, or service offers. Before purchasing an insurance product, customers must complete a financial needs analysis. AIA does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the content and information provided. AIA reserves the right to pursue legal action and seek compensation for any infringement and/or legal issues.
 
This document was designed and developed by AIA from data or information gathered from internal or external sources. This document is for information and reference purpose only, and should not be considered as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for any of the insurance products mentioned herein. While we have endeavoured to ensure the content of the document is accurate, comprehensive and timeliness at the time of preparation and/or updating of the document, however, we do not guarantee nor warrant the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the data source. Thus, we are not liable for any claim and/or loss arising from the data source. Any opinion or information contained in the document is made on a general basis and should not be relied upon by the readers as advice. AIA reserves the right to make changes and amendments to its opinions expressed and information contained in the document at any time, without any prior notice. You are advised to seek independent advice from appropriate professionals (such as, licensed investment advisor/financial consultants, etc.) before making any decision on the topic(s) mentioned in the document. AIA expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information contained in this document.

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1. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. (n.d.). Hong Kong population ageing indicators.
2. Centre for Health Protection. (n.d.). Life expectancy at birth, 1971–2024.
3. Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR Government. (2025). Health facts of Hong Kong.

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