Singapore’s Longevity: The Need for Health Beyond Ageing

Residents of Singapore enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the world, averaging 81.2 years for men and 85.6 years for women. However, new data reveals a concerning trend: many Singaporeans face up to a decade of poor health before death. A report from the Ministry of Health indicates that only about 75 years of life are spent in good health, highlighting a significant gap between longevity and quality of life.

As the population ages, the discussion around healthcare has largely focused on financial pressures. The government has allocated approximately S$20.9 billion for healthcare in 2025, second only to defense spending. This figure is projected to rise to S$30 billion by 2030. Families are also feeling the strain, as many adults find themselves in a “sandwich” situation, balancing the responsibilities of caring for elderly parents and young children, often at the cost of their own well-being and productivity.

Recognizing the Economic Potential of Health

Despite these challenges, there is potential for a positive narrative around ageing. Economists are increasingly advocating for the concept of a “silver dividend,” which refers to the economic growth that can be achieved by keeping older adults healthy. The Asian Development Bank estimates that maximizing the work capacity of older individuals could increase gross domestic product (GDP) in the region by nearly 1 percent. This modest-seeming figure translates to substantial economic gains given the scale of Asian economies.

While extending working life into one’s 80s is not the goal, enhancing the years spent in good health has significant benefits. Keeping older adults healthy can alleviate financial burdens on families and public health systems, enabling funds to be redirected towards acute care and emergency responses during crises.

To realize these benefits, inclusive health strategies are critical. The Health Inclusivity Index (HII), developed by Economist Impact with support from Haleon, indicates that annual healthcare costs for individuals with low health literacy are nearly three times higher due to increased reliance on emergency services. A reduction of 25 percent in low health literacy could save approximately US$303 billion annually and boost GDP by 0.4 percent.

The Longevity Dividend Explained

What if Singaporeans could gain just one additional year of healthy life? A conservative estimate suggests that this could yield around US$1.5 billion in additional productivity as healthier older adults contribute actively to the economy through work, entrepreneurship, or community involvement. Additionally, annual healthcare savings could range from US$1.2 billion to US$2.4 billion by reducing the need for hospitalizations and managing chronic diseases. Together, these potential savings equate to about US$2.7 billion annually, or roughly S$3.3 billion.

In terms of GDP, a one-year increase in healthspan could represent about 0.5 percent to 0.7 percent of Singapore’s economy. This perspective shifts the narrative from viewing ageing as a financial burden to recognizing the economic value of promoting health in older age. The concept of the “longevity dividend” underscores the vast economic opportunities that arise from extending healthy years and delaying chronic health issues.

In the United States, research indicates that even a modest delay of 2.2 years in the ageing process could result in savings of approximately US$7 trillion over half a century. When applied to the rapidly ageing populations in Asia, the implications could be transformative, comparable to the productivity gains seen in previous technological revolutions.

Strategies for Enhancing Healthspan

The question now is how to effectively achieve this extra year of health. Evidence suggests that focusing on nutrition, physical activity, preventive healthcare, and addressing social determinants of health are key strategies. A study from the National University of Singapore indicates that sustained lifestyle changes could lead to a savings of S$650 million in healthcare costs by 2050, demonstrating that preventive measures benefit both individuals and the economy.

In Singapore, two areas require urgent attention to improve long-term public health outcomes. First, the healthcare system must shift its focus from treatment to prevention. Primary care facilities should collaborate with the Health Promotion Board to implement engaging initiatives that promote regular health screenings and healthier lifestyle choices. Moreover, workplace and school health promotion could also be strengthened.

Community centers and local markets, such as hawker centers, can serve as accessible wellness hubs, providing residents with opportunities for physical activity and healthier food options. Nutritional training and financial incentives for hawkers to offer healthier meals could further support this initiative.

Asia is experiencing rapid ageing, with projections indicating that by 2050, one in four individuals will be over the age of 60. While this demographic shift cannot be reversed, the way these years are lived can be transformed. Singapore’s robust healthcare system and innovative policies position it to lead in this area. Just as the nation has effectively managed limited land for food security and scarce water for sustainability, it has the potential to make ageing a success story focused on health preservation, unlocking billions in economic value while enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

The pressing question remains: can we afford to invest in healthspan? The answer is clear—investing in health is not just a necessity but a critical economic strategy.

Contributors to this analysis include Daniel Mahadzir, Innovation Fellow at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, and Vandana Garg, Medical & Scientific Affairs Director for Southeast Asia and Taiwan at Haleon.