This urban population is leading the world in life expectancy

By Meera Senthilingam, CNN

Updated 0033 GMT (0833 HKT) March 3, 2018

In Hong Kong, life expectancies at birth for both sexes have steadily increased over the past 46 years. In 2016, life expectancy there was 81.3 years for men and 87.3 years for women -- topping global rankings.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
In Hong Kong, life expectancies at birth for both sexes have steadily increased over the past 46 years. In 2016, life expectancy there was 81.3 years for men and 87.3 years for women -- topping global rankings.
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Despite living in a dense urban area, people in Hong Kong have easy access to most amenities, so they walk more and drive less.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
Despite living in a dense urban area, people in Hong Kong have easy access to most amenities, so they walk more and drive less.
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Hong Kong is greener than most cities, and almost all districts are members of the WHO global network of <a href="http://www.who.int/ageing/projects/age_friendly_cities/en/" target="_blank">age-friendly cities</a>, which encourages the creation of urban spaces supportive of older people. Pictured, Hong Kong Park in the center of the city.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
Hong Kong is greener than most cities, and almost all districts are members of the WHO global network of age-friendly cities, which encourages the creation of urban spaces supportive of older people. Pictured, Hong Kong Park in the center of the city.
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Within a short drive of the city center, there are mountains for hiking and beaches for swimming or surfing, providing locals with outdoor activities to keep fit. Pictured, Shek O beach in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
Within a short drive of the city center, there are mountains for hiking and beaches for swimming or surfing, providing locals with outdoor activities to keep fit. Pictured, Shek O beach in Hong Kong.
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The streets are safe, and there is easy access to public transport. A ride on the clean, air-conditioned metro starts at just 60 US cents.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
The streets are safe, and there is easy access to public transport. A ride on the clean, air-conditioned metro starts at just 60 US cents.
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The temptation to get in a car and drive is minimized by footbridges and elevators that provide easier access to walking routes in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
The temptation to get in a car and drive is minimized by footbridges and elevators that provide easier access to walking routes in Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong's position as both a marine and land gateway to China and other parts of Asia enables greater access to fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. With a local cuisine that includes these items in most dishes, the population as a whole eats well.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
Hong Kong's position as both a marine and land gateway to China and other parts of Asia enables greater access to fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. With a local cuisine that includes these items in most dishes, the population as a whole eats well.
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Hong Kong has universal heath care for hospital treatment but not quite universal for primary care. However, older people generally do not pay for primary care and get priority. Accessible health care contributes to longevity, as fewer people might die from conditions that would otherwise have killed them.
Photos: Hong Kong: The world's highest life expectancy
Hong Kong has universal heath care for hospital treatment but not quite universal for primary care. However, older people generally do not pay for primary care and get priority. Accessible health care contributes to longevity, as fewer people might die from conditions that would otherwise have killed them.
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