Hong Kong happiness index hits 7-year low

A recent survey revealed that Hong Kong's overall happiness index, rated on a scale of 1 to 10, has dropped to 5.63 this year - the lowest in seven years.

The HKWeCARE survey, conducted through online questionnaires and surveyed over a thousand participants from July to August this year, showed that every one in ten Hong Kong residents experienced almost daily feelings of low mood, despondency, or despair.

Additionally, over half of the respondents exhibited symptoms of moderate to severe depression, with severe depression symptoms affecting 35 percent of the surveyed individuals - a new high over the years.

The survey also found that people in the age group of 35 to 44 scored the lowest on the happiness index.

Commenting on the survey results, Sylvia Chan May-kuen, Co-Chair of HKWeCARE, said individuals aged 25 to 44 are often in the stage of managing family responsibilities, many of whom are caregivers facing various sources of stress.

She suggested that family members enhance communication, support each other, and foster understanding to improve mental well-being.