Hong Kong works to win back its secluded youth

Researchers have been exploring dog-assisted interventions to help youth reintegrate into their communities. — Photo provided

HONG KONG’S growing population faces two pressing challenges: a rapidly ageing society and an alarmingly low fertility rate.

The fertility rate, at just 0.77 births in 2021, falls far below the replacement level of 2.1. Yet, the city boasts the world's highest life expectancy, with averages of 81.3 years for men and 87.2 years for women in 2022.