Singaporeans are not just living longer, but also remaining healthy for more years. Between 2004 and 2010, the life expectancy for men rose 2.1 years to 79.2, while their healthy years increased by 2.7 years. In females, the life expectancy and healthy years rose by two and four respectively.
Professor Chia Kee Seng, Dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health explains that the increase in the number of healthy years is “probably due to a delay in the onset of chronic diseases among the current older generations. This couold be due to greater adoption of healthy living when they were young adults.”
Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, also emphasises on the advantages of longevity and living healthier. “Older persons can be an engine for national development, contributing to our community, our society and economic growth,” she said.
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