A Southeast Asian Country Is Witnessing A Drastic Jump In Life Expectancy, Centenarian Population Double In A Decade

Singapore has also witnessed the number of centenarians -- a person aged a hundred or more years old -- doubling over the 10-year period from 2010 to 2020.

A child born in Singapore today can expect to live more than 86 years.

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While science and nations have increasingly focussed on ways to improve health and promote longevity, a country in Southeast Asia has seen a drastic jump in life expectancy. 

A child born in Singapore in 1960 was only likely to live up to the age of 65 years, but a child born today in the island nation can expect to live more than 86 years, The World Factbook has revealed. 

Singapore has also witnessed the number of centenarians -- a person aged a hundred or more years old -- doubling over the 10-year period from 2010 to 2020.

Experts attribute to the significant increase in longevity due to the intentional government policy and investment. 

With the rising longevity, Singapore has earned the title — the world's sixth "Blue Zone" in August 2023. The term "Blue Zones", coined by National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner, indicates regions where people lived longer and healthier lives due to a combination of reasons like culture, lifestyle, diet and community.

Some of the other Blue Zone communities include Ikaria, Greece or Nicoya and Costa Rica. Other countries that top the list of longevity include Monaco (89.8 years), Macau (85.3), Japan (85.2), Canada (84.2) and San Marino (84.2).

In the list of 227 nations, the lowest life expectancy is in Afghanistan (54.4), Central African Republic (56.4), Somalia (56.5), Mozambique (58.3) and Sierra Leone (59.4). India, meanwhile, has an average life expectancy of 68.2 years.

Why Are Singaporeans Living Longer?

The residents in Singapore have witnessed changes in government policy affecting their health and wellness. The country's healthcare system has received recognition for its quality of care and keeping it low cost. 

The 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index ranked Singapore the best in the world in terms of the citizens' health and their ability to access healthcare, according to BBC. 

Another reason why Singaporeans are living longer is due to better chronic disease management. Primary and community-based healthcare providers have taken a bigger role in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Several other reasons like robust public transportation, walking, daily exercise and keeping the country clean have also contributed to the better health of its residents.

Moreover, the country prioritising the integration of parks, gardens and nature reserves into the cityscape has earned it the reputation of being a 'garden city.' The focus on sustainability, efficient land use and incorporating green spaces has contributed positively to the lives of its residents.

However, while the quality of life is better in Singapore, there are other factors like the high price of living, increased living standards and expenses that make it among the most expensive places to live.