Singaporeans are living longer… but are they healthier?

Singapore is known for its high life expectancy, with residents often living well into their 80s and 90s. However, as Singaporeans are living longer, there are concerns about whether they're living healthier as well.

Average life expectancy is 84.8 years

According to a report by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Singapore has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average life expectancy of 84.8 years. This is due in part to the country's excellent healthcare system, as well as its focus on health and wellness.

However, while Singaporeans are living longer, there are concerns about whether they're living healthier as well. According to a survey by the Health Promotion Board, only 1 in 4 Singaporeans eat enough fruits and vegetables, and 3 in 10 are physically inactive. These lifestyle factors can contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, which can reduce quality of life and shorten lifespan.

Another concern is the high prevalence of chronic diseases in Singapore. According to the Ministry of Health, chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are on the rise in the country. These conditions can have a significant impact on health and quality of life, and can also increase healthcare costs.

Start early

So, while Singaporeans are living longer, there's a need to focus on living healthier as well. This means adopting healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and getting regular check-ups to manage chronic diseases. It also means addressing social determinants of health, like income inequality and access to healthcare, to ensure that all Singaporeans have the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

In conclusion, while Singaporeans are living longer, there's more work to be done to ensure that they're living healthier as well. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and addressing social determinants of health, we can all work towards a healthier, more fulfilling future.