While life expectancy is declining in many parts of the world, Singapore stands out as a shining example of how well-crafted government policies and societal values can foster an environment that promotes longer, healthier lives. As of 2021, the average life expectancy in Singapore is 82.3 years for men, 86.5 years for women, and 83.86 years for both sexes. What’s behind this remarkable achievement? It’s not just good genes—it’s the result of forward-thinking policies that prioritize public health, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Here’s how Singapore is getting it right and what other nations can learn from its success.
1. Healthy Food Is More Affordable Than Junk Food
In many countries, junk food is often cheaper and more readily available than healthy options. But in Singapore, the government has taken decisive action to make healthy eating both affordable and appealing. Through subsidies and support measures, nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are competitively priced, making them accessible to a wide segment of the population. Simultaneously, unhealthy foods such as processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food are taxed, encouraging people to make healthier dietary choices.
This strategy not only promotes healthy eating but also discourages unhealthy habits that lead to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, which can lower life expectancy. In effect, the Singaporean government is guiding its citizens toward better food choices through fiscal policies that benefit both their health and finances.
2. Walking Is Incentivized; Driving Is Discouraged
In Singapore, physical activity is woven into daily life, largely due to policies that discourage car ownership and encourage walking and public transport. High taxes on car ownership make having a private vehicle an expensive proposition. Instead, many Singaporeans opt for walking or using the highly efficient and affordable public transport system.
This approach to urban design not only helps reduce traffic congestion but also promotes physical activity as a natural part of daily life. Whether it’s walking to the nearest Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, cycling through green corridors, or simply taking the stairs, residents of Singapore are naturally staying active throughout the day. We know that regular physical activity is a key factor in promoting longevity and mitigating age-related health issues, which directly contribute to longer, healthier lives.
3. Tax Incentives for Families Living Nearby
A particularly unique aspect of Singapore’s approach to well-being is the emphasis on family bonds, especially between the elderly and their children. The government offers tax incentives to families who live close to their elderly parents, encouraging intergenerational living arrangements.
Living near family members helps reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which are major contributors to poor mental health and shorter life expectancy, especially for older adults. Having a strong social support system is essential for mental well-being, stress management, and emotional resilience—all factors that are closely linked to longer, healthier lives.
This policy not only supports the elderly but also reduces the need for institutional care, fostering a culture of respect and care for older generations. By prioritizing family care, Singapore ensures that seniors are looked after in a familiar, supportive environment, which plays a critical role in their overall quality of life.
4. A Model for the Future of Public Health
Singapore’s approach offers a comprehensive framework for promoting longevity and well-being. By combining healthcare policy, urban design, and social incentives, the country has created a society where people live not only longer but also healthier lives. The country’s focus on affordable nutritious food, encouraging physical activity, and fostering strong family connections offers a holistic model for aging populations around the world.
For other nations grappling with aging populations and declining life expectancies, Singapore’s experience offers valuable lessons. Small yet impactful policy changes can make a significant difference in the overall health and longevity of a population. Whether through subsidies, tax incentives, or social welfare programs, the approach to fostering public well-being is clear: It’s not just about healthcare—it’s about creating a supportive environment where healthy choices are easy, affordable, and appealing.
Conclusion: Singapore’s Health Policies Offer Valuable Lessons
As more countries face the challenges of an aging population and declining life expectancy, Singapore’s approach provides a model for how government policies can actively shape a healthier, happier society. By implementing thoughtful policies that prioritize health, social connections, and environmental sustainability, Singapore has become a global leader in promoting longevity and overall well-being.
For those looking to improve public health and life expectancy, the takeaway is clear: It’s about making healthy living choices accessible, affordable, and deeply integrated into daily life. Singapore’s success proves that government intervention, when done right, can have a profound impact on the health of a nation.
Subsidy on nutritious food and making unhealthy food expensive is a good move.