The average life expectancy of Singaporeans has increased due to optimal health care programs, and the government has designed housing areas near parks and walking paths for people to exercise.
Recently, Singapore has been called by many experts as the world’s next Blue Zone. This is a term referring to areas with a high number of people living past 100 years old with few diseases. Initially, the Blue Zones included 5 cities: Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Ikaria in Greece, and Loma Linda in the US.
In these areas, natural conditions and traditional lifestyles allow people to live longer and healthier lives. However, Singapore is a “designed” Green Zone. Its people’s longevity is a product of its infrastructure, health care programs, and policies that encourage people to exercise.
Singapore’s average life expectancy has increased by 20 years since 1960. The Southeast Asian island nation now has the 7th highest life expectancy in the world, at 82.13 years for men and 86.42 years for women.
“This is no coincidence,” said Andrea Maier, a professor at the National University of Singapore and co-founder of the Chi Longevity clinic.
According to her, Singapore has an ideal health care system that helps treat all kinds of diseases. The government also creates green spaces throughout the island. So, although Singapore is highly urban, no one is considered to live too far from nature. Many studies show that being in nature helps control stress and improve overall health.
Singaporeans also love walking, so authorities have built many shaded or covered pathways.
“Singapore also promotes the development of healthy, whole foods that are accessible to the public. They identify the fiber, sugar, fat or sodium content of a dish, making it easier for people to choose when eating out,” she said.
A resident at a nursing home in Singapore. Photo: Straits Time
The Singapore government offers tax breaks to young families living with or near elderly parents, making it easier for grandparents to stay connected with their families. Officials are looking to support active lifestyles to help people age healthily. For example, 40% of residents of the suburb of Yio Chu Kang are 65 or older. Officials have announced plans to make it the city’s first “dementia-friendly” township.
They sent people to paint murals on buildings to help seniors find their way home more easily, trained community workers to help seniors stay calm, and offered advice and contact with their caregivers.
John Chua and Lim Jun Han, both 80, are testament to the success of the government’s health-promoting policies and infrastructure. They have lived in Singapore all their lives, run marathons regularly, and are members of the Singapore Masters Athletics Association (SMTFA). In June, they and two other friends, all in their 80s, participated in two relay events at the Masters International Athletics Championships. They were the only team in the senior men’s category. The four finished the men’s 4×100m relay in 73.87 seconds.
Both Chua and Lim say Singapore is the ideal place to age healthily.
“The estates all have parks. People have access to sports facilities like stadiums where they can walk or run,” Chua said.