Global study highlights Singapore’s top ranking in aging society readiness

Singapore has been ranked among the world’s top 10 nations – and first in Asia – for its readiness to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of an aging population, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS ) and Columbia University. Switzerland tops the rankings, with Japan ranked 15th globally and second in Asia, while the US ranks 24th.

This research group has previously reported comparisons of adaptation to aging between developed countries. To conduct the current work, the team developed a new measure – the global aging index, which allows comparisons between low- and middle-income countries as well as more developed countries to assess the preparedness of 143 countries, covering 95.4% of the world’s population , to address the challenges of an aging population. The study examines five key areas: well-being, productivity and engagement, equality, cohesion and security, with input from 25 experts from high-, middle- and low-income countries.

Led by Assistant Professor Cynthia Chen from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH) and Professor John W Rowe from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, the landmark study was published in the journal Aging Nature on December 27, 2024. The research was made possible through the valuable contribution of Mr. Julian Lim, Research Assistant at NUS SSHSPH.

Summarizing the key findings of the study, Associate Professor Chen explained: “While high-income countries lead the rankings in terms of preparedness for a rapidly aging society, low- and middle-income nations lag behind. Although low- and middle-income countries often have Younger populations today, many expected to experience rapid population aging in the future People with limited financial security may face serious challenges in access to health care later in life if health and social security systems remain inadequate to meet the needs of older people, the financial burden on individuals and their families could escalate, potentially leading to far-reaching economic consequences.”

“Therefore, an effective response to population aging can provide many benefits. Countries can mitigate rising health care costs while harnessing the potential of older people, whose experience and wisdom can make a significant contribution to societies “In the long term, this can lead to global societal benefits. We hope our findings will help prioritize action for countries at all levels of development,” he added.

Singapore’s global performance in the five key areas for successfully adapting to an aging society is summarized below:

Prosperity: 1st

A successfully aging society provides health care that is informed by a sophisticated understanding of the health care needs of older adults. Singapore performed best in well-being, securing the top global ranking in this area. The nation achieved the world’s longest healthy life expectancy at older ages. strong universal health coverage (6th). high share of life expectancy spent in good health (10th); and high life satisfaction (23rd).

The study noted that to promote long-term transformational change, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has implemented a set of health transformation efforts, including preventive efforts such as screening, immunization, health promotion (such as the National Steps Challenge and Healthier Food program) and education. The MOH has also recently strengthened the nation’s efforts to prevent and manage chronic diseases through the implementation of Healthier SG from 2023. This initiative aims to shift the healthcare system from a reactive treatment model to one focused on proactive prevention care.

Security: 6th

Financial and physical security for seniors is the cornerstone of a thriving aging society. According to the study, Singapore ranks 6th globally in average income and 1st in both perceived safety of walking at night and satisfaction with the quality of healthcare among those aged 50 and over. Mental health resilience also ranks highly, ranking 6th globally.

Productivity and engagement: 17th

A successfully aging society facilitates the participation of older people. In Singapore, while re-education participation for ages 16-64 ranks an impressive 10th globally, other indicators such as labor force engagement among ages 55-64. as well as volunteering, feeling active and productive every day, and job satisfaction among older populations are ranked between 41st and 67th. This highlights important opportunities to enhance social engagement and promote personal fulfillment in later life.

Equity: 36th

A society that ages well ensures a fair distribution of resources between generations. In Singapore, despite ranking highly in terms of income (9th globally for living comfortably and having enough money to eat among those aged 50+), there are disparities between the young and older populations in income, food, participation in labor force and educational level. which would require attention.

Consistency: 42nd

In a successfully aging society, strong social ties are maintained both within and between generations. Social trust among the elderly and the support provided to this group in Singapore present a mixed picture. While a significant proportion of older people can rely on friends and family (24th) and access the internet (24th), trusting neighbors ranks 71st. Additionally, a significant proportion of older adults live alone (115th), suggesting a need for initiatives that strengthen community connections and reduce isolation.

The research team acknowledges that MOH has just launched Age Well SG 2024 and is expanding its network of active aging centers as hubs for older people to socialize with each other and with neighbors. This also creates opportunities for older people living alone to participate in buddy and befriending programs, which will help address the areas identified by the team.

Preventative and holistic healthy longevity initiatives from the Health District @ Queenstown

Singapore’s efforts to adapt to an aging society are exemplified by initiatives such as the Health District @ Queenstown (HD@QT). It is a multi-stakeholder collaboration jointly organized by the National University Health System (NUHS), NUS and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) to promote physical, mental and social wellbeing at every stage of life.

The findings of this study inform and validate our efforts at the Health District @ Queenstown. We strive to co-create with residents and service providers an inclusive community that promotes healthy, purposeful living across the lifespan. The successful sustainable programs from Queenstown, which are designed to align with the Global Aging Society Index domains, can be scaled up across Singapore to address the evolving challenges of an aging population.”

Professor John Eu-Li Wong, Executive Director of the NUS Center for Population Health and Senior Advisor at NUHS. Professor Wong is also the Co-Chair of the HD@QT Steering Committee

Professor Wong added, “As initiatives like HD@QT take root, we hope to show how societies can transform the challenges of aging into a blueprint for healthy, purposeful longevity and empowerment.”