A study by Prudential Singapore and Economist Impact has revealed that 68% of Gen Z Singaporeans are uncertain about their ability to maintain good physical health as they age, making them the least confident among all generational groups.
Baby Boomers closely follow at 67%, with Millennials at 57% and Gen X at 56%.
The findings are part of the “Healthspan Barometer,” a report examining perceptions of healthy aging in Singapore.
The survey involved 1,014 residents aged 20 to 70 and explored attitudes toward “healthspan,” which refers to the number of years lived in good health without chronic illnesses or disabilities.
In Singapore, while the average life expectancy is 84 years, the average healthspan is about 74 years, leaving a decade typically spent managing health issues.
The study found that younger Singaporeans are particularly concerned about physical and mental health in later life.
Gen Z respondents highlighted challenges such as losing the ability to perform daily tasks (35%), affordability of healthcare (33%), and managing chronic diseases (31%).
Mental health concerns included social isolation (34%), cognitive decline (32%), and the potential for depression or anxiety (27%).
Additionally, about 40% of Gen Z participants indicated that managing work-related stress was a major focus, reflecting an early emphasis on achieving work-life balance as they begin their careers.
Dr Sidharth Kachroo, chief health officer at Prudential Singapore, noted the importance of addressing these concerns early.
“By prioritising wellbeing at a young age, we can increase our chances for a long and healthy life,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for robust financial planning to address future healthcare costs and support independence in old age.
When defining healthy aging, 43% of respondents associated it with staying physically active, while 35% pointed to the absence of chronic illness and maintaining cognitive health.
The survey also highlighted sleep (55%), a nutritious diet (46%), and regular exercise (45%) as the top factors driving healthspan improvement.
Generational differences were evident, with Millennials prioritising sleep (63%) more than Gen Z (48%), a reflection of the competing demands faced by the former group.
Despite broad awareness of public health initiatives like Healthier SG and the National Steps Challenge, the study noted that engagement remains a hurdle. Nearly 40% of Gen Z respondents, for example, were aware of the HealthHub app but had not used it.
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In a separate report, AIA Singapore’s “Live Better Study 2024” highlighted mental health as an area requiring greater attention.
The study found that half of Singaporeans believe more support is needed to address mental health challenges.
The Live Better Study, which tracks well-being across dimensions such as physical, mental, financial, and social health, showed no improvement in Singapore’s overall wellness score from the previous year, remaining at 61.5 on the Holistic Wellness Index.
Kachroo encouraged Singaporeans to take advantage of available resources, given that they recognise the importance of healthy aging and benefit from a wide range of national initiatives.
“We encourage people to make the time to explore these resources as well as to leverage those available to them from private institutions such as Prudential to help them on their journey to age well,” he said.
Prudential Singapore offers several preventive health programs, including complimentary health screenings for PRUShield policyholders and chronic care support for individuals managing conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes.
