Asean-GCC-China Summit Marks a Fresh Chapter in Regional Economic Alliances
Singapore's life expectancy has witnessed a significant trend of growth, ascending to 83.5 years in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics (SingStat), marking an increase of 0.9 years over the past decade compared to 82.6 years in 2014. In 2023, the figure stood at 83.2 years.
The recent surge is attributed to various factors contributing to the country's healthcare advancements. Singapore has invested heavily in modernizing its healthcare system, offering universal access to quality healthcare services, and creating specialized treatments. Public health initiatives have focused on preventive care programs and health education, raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The longevity improvements are noteworthy even when considering the impact of the pandemic. Last year's data was partially affected by higher Covid-19 mortality rates, which SingStat has warned may have skewed numbers. If mortality rates return to pre-pandemic levels, these rates may not accurately represent the number of years individuals can expect to live.
Life expectancy at age 65 enhanced from 20.9 years in 2023 to 21.2 years in the current year. The trends for male and female residents show slight variations, with men expected to live 81.2 years (an increase from 81.0 in 2023) and women predicted to reach 85.6 years (up from 85.3 the year before). Over the last decade, life expectancy for men improved by 0.9 years, while females gained 0.8 years.
When considering projections for survival rates, 89.8% of newborn boys are expected to reach age 65, with 45.6% living to be 85. Newborn girls enjoy even higher projections, with 94.3% expected to live to 65, and 62.9% anticipated to reach 85.
SingStat's projections are premised on current mortality rates and do not account for future medical or lifestyle changes. Nonetheless, these positive trends underscore Singapore's continued commitment to maintaining a high standard of living and offering its residents a promising outlook for the future.
The increase in Singapore's life expectancy, despite the impact of COVID-19, is a testament to the nation's advancements in science and health-and-wellness, as evidenced by its investments in modern healthcare systems and preventive care programs. In the news, SingStat's latest projections reveal promising survival rates, with both newborn boys and girls expected to live longer, reflecting the country's focus on health and longevity.
