Singaporeans are living longer, but not necessarily healthier. Can science close the gap?

Singapore is experiencing a longer lifespan with the average life expectancy rising to 83.9 years in 2025, according to the Department of Statistics. However, this extended lifespan does not necessarily translate to improved healthspan – the years spent in good health. Experts say more focus is needed to bridge the gap between lifespan and healthspan.

The Ministry of Health estimates that Singaporeans spend around 75 years in good health. A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine reveals that the gap between lifespan and healthspan has widened by over two years since 1990 to 2023. Women experience a slightly longer healthspan than men, but both genders face significant challenges dealing with non-fatal health problems like chronic diseases and mental health issues.

Scientists are studying lifestyle, biological age, and early intervention to help people stay healthier for longer. An 11-year study involving 5,409 Singaporeans found that habits such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise were linked to an older biological age. Conversely, regular exercise, a plant-based diet, and green tea consumption were associated with a younger biological age.

Tools like AgeQ, which uses routine blood test results to estimate biological age, are being developed to help individuals take control of their health earlier in life.

Experts emphasize that focusing on health earlier in life, along with financial security, community support, and work-life balance, can help people maintain good health and independence for longer.