Golden oldies of Hong Kong

For those who are unable to cook for themselves, Fung adds, charity programs such as the one offered by Caritas (a Catholic community organization) can provide meals at designated centers or arranged to be delivered. And though there is a three-year wait list to get into a government-run seniors home, there are a lot of private ones for those who can afford to pay HK$15,000 ($1,935) per month.

"It is so easy to get a live-in helper here," notes Wong, referring to the ubiquitous Filipino or Indonesian domestic helper often accompanying octogenarians around the neighborhood.

Related: Celebrating age and wisdom

The Fungs feel that Hong Kong's longevity may be credited to the delicate balance between public assistance and private responsibility.

The couple has always lived modestly, rarely eating out or taking vacations. While initially it was to save for their children's education - they are very proud that they could afford to send them to university in England - their healthy diet and lifestyle are what people of any age aspire to.

Fung's typical day begins at 4 am, when he gets up to enjoy a tuna sandwich breakfast washed down with milk tea. He heads out to buy the morning paper after watching the 6:30 am news, and then strolls to a nearby park for a brisk walk followed by 30 minutes of exercise. Friends will join him around 9 am for daily chats before he heads back home for lunch and a quiet afternoon.

Wong usually gets up by 7 am and has a breakfast of porridge before beginning a day of household activities. She goes to swim in a nearby public pool three times per week, and does some calisthenics at home on other days.

When she prepares meals, she makes sure that chicken is well trimmed of skin and fat, hand-wraps dumplings and grinds sesame for sweet soup by hand.

"If I have some spare time, I will play mahjong online," Wong admits with a laugh. "It's good exercise for the brain."

She has also taken advantage of the HK$2 ($0.25) senior concessionary fare offered by local bus companies and MTRC to visit her son in Taipo more often.

By the time the sun sets, the couple is preparing for their nightly family meal with their grandson, son, daughter-in-law and daughter. The sound of laughter and friendly arguments extend well into the evening - surely the best indicator of lives well lived.

Contact the writer at sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn.