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Singapore, the country where people live longer!

2024-12-24 20:03:00, Kuriozitete CNA

Singapore

When it comes to life expectancy, few countries in the world have seen such a drastic increase in life expectancy as the island city-state in Southeast Asia.

A child born in the country in 1960 was likely to live (at the time) to age 65, but a child born in Singapore today can expect to live more than 86 according to estimates. Furthermore, the number of centenarians in Singapore doubled over the 10-year period from 2010-2020.

This huge leap in life expectancy has been largely driven by deliberate government policy and investment. The difference was even enough for the country to be named the world's sixth "Blue Zone" in August 2023. Although their accuracy has recently been questioned by demographers, the Blue Zones were discovered and created by National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner, which claimed to identify regions where people lived longer and healthier, largely due to a combination of culture, lifestyle, diet and community.

Singapore was the first new region to be added to the Blue Zones in decades, and it stands apart from other Blue Zones in part because the longevity of its people comes more from forward-thinking policies than long-established cultural traditions in other communities. Blue Zones like Ikaria, Greece or Nicoya, Costa Rica.

Residents appreciate the quality of life.

A healthy transition

Residents in Singapore have witnessed gradual changes in government policies affecting their health and well-being.

"Growing up here, I've seen the transformation in the health awareness of the community," said resident Firdaus Syazwani, who runs the financial advice blog Dollar Bureau.

"Heavy taxation of cigarettes and alcohol, coupled with strict bans on smoking in public, not only improves individual health, but also improves public spaces, making them more welcoming and cleaner. No more secondhand smoke second!"

"Measures such as mandatory nutritional labeling and reducing the sugar content of drinks have made a noticeable difference in public health awareness and choices. Although it is not yet known exactly how effective this initiative is, I personally tend to stay away from drinks with sugar when I look at these labels."

Singapore's healthcare system has also received global accolades for the quality of care and its ability to contain costs. The Legatum Prosperity Index 2023 ranked the country the best in the world as it relates to the health of its citizens and their ability to access healthcare. The country offers universal health care coverage, but also has a mix of private services and savings funds to help cover out-of-pocket costs.

A focus on green spaces

But it's not just healthcare that plays a role in residents living longer. Other policies such as robust public transport encourage walking and daily exercise, while a priority on keeping the country clean and beautiful gives residents a sense of security and peace of mind.

"Having lived in Singapore for over 15 years, I am constantly impressed by how meticulously the Urban Redevelopment Authority has planned the city. Their focus on sustainability, efficient use of land and incorporating green spaces into life urban is exceptional. While Singapore's laws may be strict, it has resulted in a clean and well-maintained environment,” said another resident.

Public parks also serve as a hub for the community, a factor that all longevity researchers agree is essential to living a long and healthy life.

"From the young to the elderly, you will find a wide demographic engaged in regular exercise, facilitated by extensive public parks, fitness corners and fitness classes that are easily accessible throughout the city," Syazwani said. .

What to know

Although the quality of life may be high in Singapore, the price of living here is also commensurate. The country is often ranked as one of the world's most expensive places to live, with Mercer ranking it second only to Hong Kong.

Although the population is diverse, with people immigrating here from all over the world, the government prioritizes a strong sense of social cohesion, enforced through laws and enforcement. The state has strict laws (and fines) against littering, smoking in public, drugs and even jaywalking, but many residents feel the regulations help keep the country a safer and more beautiful place to live. lived.

"Government policies are carefully aligned with the needs of the population, focusing on improving the overall quality of life, supporting economic stability and maintaining social harmony. Singapore's political stability plays a key role in fostering an environment that encourages business investment, economic growth and social cohesion."