A recent study highlights that Generation Z in Singapore is the least confident about maintaining their physical health in old age, with 68% expressing concerns about their health at age 75.
At just 23, Emmanuel Pang, a full-time national serviceman, is in peak physical condition. He avoids fast food, exercises regularly, and jogs weekly. Yet, beneath his disciplined routine lies a deep-seated worry about aging and dependency.
“The idea of growing old and becoming reliant on someone else makes me nervous,” Pang, who plays in the military band, shares.
Pang’s anxiety is not unique. A study published by UK-based Economist Impact in November 2024 found that 68% of Singapore’s Gen Zs feel unsure about maintaining their physical health as they age. This demographic, typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, ranked the lowest in confidence among all age groups.
Economist Impact, part of The Economist Group, conducted the survey in July and August 2024, sampling 1,014 Singaporeans between the ages of 20 and 70. Sponsored by Prudential, the study revealed that 252 respondents, born between 1997 and 2006, were most concerned about their long-term health.
Dr. Sidharth Kachroo, Chief Health Officer at Prudential Singapore, attributes this anxiety to the constant flow of health-related information Gen Z is exposed to, particularly on social media. “This constant barrage of health risks and aging information can create a sense of information overload,” he explains.
Aging and Healthspan Challenges
While Singapore’s life expectancy is high, at 84 years, the average healthspan—the number of years spent in good health—is just 74. This discrepancy is largely due to an increase in chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, according to Dr. Kachroo.
Chronic diseases, unlike acute illnesses, require long-term management, including medication and lifestyle adjustments. The national health survey from the Ministry of Health shows a steady rise in the prevalence of these illnesses. Managing them can be challenging, both physically and mentally, as it may also lead to social isolation.
Pang is familiar with this decline. His 80-year-old grandmother, who survived cancer a decade ago, now faces difficulties with everyday movements, including walking and breathing. “It hurts to see her like this,” he says.
The emotional toll is compounded by the financial burden of healthcare and long-term care, which can be overwhelming for families, Dr. Kachroo notes. “Maintaining good health is the most effective way to manage healthcare costs in the long run,” he adds.
Practical Steps for Healthy Aging
To combat these challenges, Dr. Kachroo recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. He also stresses the importance of preventive healthcare, such as regular screenings and vaccinations, to catch potential health problems early.
In line with this, Singapore’s Healthier SG program, launched in July 2023, focuses on preventive care. The initiative encourages citizens to establish long-term relationships with their family general practitioners (GPs), promoting proactive health management rather than reactive treatments.
Pang, aside from his regular exercise routine, also prioritizes his emotional well-being. After a clinical diagnosis of mild depression following a breakup, he turned to meditation and short sprints to manage his mental health.
“I try to focus on the present,” Pang says. “The future is uncertain, and you never really know what’s going to happen.” Through therapy and mindful practices, he’s learned the importance of being present in the moment.
As Gen Z contemplates the future, maintaining a balance between physical, mental, and emotional health appears key to managing the challenges of aging.
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