Hong Kong’s happiness index slips as survey identifies ‘aimless’ millennials as unhappiest age group

Hong Kong's overall happiness index declined slightly in 2026, with millennials emerging as the city's unhappiest age group, according to a new survey by non-profit Wofoo Social Enterprises. The index dropped to 5.87 out of 10, a 0.08-point decrease from the previous year. The survey of 1,039 adults revealed that individuals born between 1980 and 1995 reported lower happiness scores compared to other age groups.

The findings debunk the "sandwich generation" myth, asserting that over half of the city's 30-to-45-year-olds are unmarried and nearly two-thirds are neither parents nor caregivers. Despite no significant differences in economic status, single millennials had significantly lower happiness and life satisfaction scores than those who were married or had children. Researchers attributed this to "aimlessness" among unmarried millennials, beyond anxieties about the current economic and social climate.

Hong Kong's overall happiness score has been below the "passing level" of 6.0 out of 10 since 2023, with more than 40% of respondents this year reporting moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The NGO emphasized that mental health pressures among residents require urgent attention and support from all sectors of society. Hong Kong's "economic situation" and "government administration" received the lowest grades in the survey, while baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, scored highest at 6.78.