Parenthood increasingly attractive to young residents of greying Hong Kong, survey finds

A new survey provides a glimpse of hope for those concerned about Hong Kong's ageing population, as more young people than last year said they wanted to become parents.

More than 60 per cent of respondents to the survey by the Hong Kong Women Development Association said they hoped to have children, compared with about 50 per cent last year. The survey, which included men and women younger than 29, received 475 responses.

Hong Kong is in the midst of a demographic shift as the city's elderly residents live longer while the birth rate slows. The government estimates that at the current rate, one-third of the city's population will be 65 or older by 2041, compared to 14 per cent now. That trend is expected to place great strain on the city's health system and social services.

High living expenses, including skyrocketing property prices, top the list of reasons why many in the city do not want children. With tiny flats and long working hours, many Hongkongers say they face such pressure to make ends meet that many fear they won't be able to provide for their children, so they decide not to have them.

Association vice-chairwoman Au Yeung Po-chun said the government should offer more support to families, to encourage people to have children. For example, she said, it should implement the 15 years of free education Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying promised in 2012.