Spend now, age better later? Young Singaporeans embrace longevity lifestyle

In Singapore, a growing number of young people are embracing a longevity lifestyle to improve their long-term health and recovery, according to The Straits Times. Wellness centres offering treatments like saunas, cold plunges, and red light therapy are attracting a significant number of younger customers. At least eight such centres and clinics have opened in the country over the past four years, with some operators reporting an increase in interest among younger clients.

House Longevity brand manager Lukas Kok noted that most of the centre's approximately 50 clients are in their early 30s. Affordability and the non-invasive nature of treatments are key attractions for these clients. Kok emphasized that they do not want people to merely follow trends and end up causing more harm than good.

Occupational therapy assistant Garrison Lim, 24, has been attending sessions including saunas, cold plunges, magnesium salt baths, and red light therapy about once every two weeks since June. He spends around S$400 (RM1,633) on these treatments so far. Content creator Michelle Layanto, 28, has been interested in nutrition and wellness since she was 20, with the goal of prolonging her health span.

She believes that consistent choices made in one's 20s and 30s, such as nutrition, movement, and recovery, compound and show up decades later in aspects like skin, joints, bones, and energy.

Associate professor Chen Lou from Nanyang Technological University, who studies consumer psychology, explained that younger people are increasingly exposed to the concept of "healthy longevity," particularly through social media. Kok agreed, adding that these treatments are experiential and can become part of someone's lifestyle and social identity, making them shareable on social media.