Healthy, self-reliant and mentally strong: How people in Singapore would like to age

Straits Times

3 days ago

The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025 also shows a mindset shift – younger adults are seeking therapy earlier for emotional well-being, while staying active has edged out full financial independence as a top goal
Manulife's Asia Care Survey 2025 shows that in Singapore, people place greater importance on staying physically, mentally, and socially active than on merely living a long life.
A new survey conducted in Singapore has revealed a common blind spot: While people diligently track blood pressure and glucose, they could be neglecting other equally important health markers.
Manulife's latest Asia Care Survey 2025 found that three in four here tend to overlook their mobility, muscle mass or grip strength, despite these being
powerful indicators of overall well-being . A weak grip, for example, can signal
declining muscle mass, reduced mobility and a higher risk of future health issues .
These insights are drawn from an online survey conducted between January and February 2025, which gathered responses from over 9,000 people across nine Asian markets. Of these, 1,021 were from Singapore.
This is the first time the annual Manulife Asia Care Survey is exploring the theme of longevity. Previous years' editions looked at healthcare costs, financial well-being and retirement savings.
'We hope to spark more meaningful conversations around health, wellness, and longevity. Longevity is typically associated with living longer.' says Mr Benoit Meslet, chief executive officer of Manulife Singapore. 'At Manulife, we believe that it's also important to live better. We want to help more people understand what it means to live well as you approach your golden years.'
Ageing with dignity
When asked about their top wishes for their later years, nearly a quarter of the respondents in Singapore said they hope to remain physically, mentally and socially active. In contrast, living longer for its own sake was far less of a priority, with six in 100 identifying it as their most important goal.
In their responses, many explained that they did not want to become a burden to their families, nor do they want to prolong their lives while struggling with chronic illness or disability. Four in 10 said they do not want to live longer if it meant poor health or dependence on others.
These insights reflect a clear shift in how longevity is perceived in Singapore, says Mr Mark Czajkowski, chief marketing officer of Manulife Singapore.
'The survey results challenged conventional views of longevity in Asian societies. Instead of chasing a longer lifespan, it is now characterised by quality, meaning, purpose, and health,' he says. 'With thoughtful preparation, this goal is definitely achievable.'
Thoughtful preparation, in this context, could mean looking beyond having financial security alone. It could also involve taking charge of your health early, so you can enter your later years with vitality and dignity.
Yet, the reality is that many Singaporeans remain quietly pessimistic about how well they will age. More than half of the respondents believe cancer is the most difficult illness to prevent. Over a quarter think it is hard to avoid getting Alzheimer's or a stroke as they age.
In fact, the survey results revealed that respondents expect to face critical health issues by age 66.5, if they have not experienced any already.
With
Singapore's average life expectancy at 83.5 years , this suggests that some may spend at least 17 of their later years managing illness.
An increased focus on mental wellness
The survey shows that staying physically fit isn't the only priority and that mental health is gaining equal importance.
Eight in 10 respondents said mental wellness plays a major role in their ability to enjoy life in old age, while three in four see it as a key factor in their overall long-term well-being.
Age also plays a role in how people care for their well-being, with priorities differing significantly across age groups reveals the survey.
Older adults aged 55 and above tend to focus more on managing their physical health, such as going for regular health checks and reducing salt intake.
Younger adults aged between 25 and 34 on the other hand, are more attuned to their emotional well-being. They tend to be more pro-active in reducing stress through better work-life balance, getting enough sleep, and are more open to seeking help from a therapist when needed.
These findings reflect a generational shift, with younger people increasingly recognising the need to care for both body and mind and to start doing so earlier in life.
For Manulife, this shift is shaping how the company designs lifestyle programmes for customers. Says Mr Czajkowski: 'The goal is to provide more holistic solutions that go beyond just financial needs, helping customers live healthier and better lives.'
Taking a well-rounded approach to wellness
The survey also shows that people in Singapore across all ages are taking a more holistic approach to healthy ageing, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.
To stay physically fit, 47.6 per cent of respondents aged 25 and above maintain a healthy weight, 47.1 per cent reduce their salt intake, and 45.1 per cent cut back on saturated fat and sugar in their diet.
Mental wellness is also emerging as a key focus, with respondents highlighting the importance of quality sleep. Self-care stands out as a consistent priority across all age groups in Singapore, surpassing most other Asian markets. Among younger adults aged 25 to 34, talking to a therapist is notably more common, with 15.1 per cent doing so.
Together, these habits reflect a growing awareness that true longevity is built on caring for both body and mind.
'It is never too early to start taking action now. Your health status in your 30s and 40s will greatly influence how you fare in the 60s and 70s,' says Mr Czajkowski.
In the coming months, Manulife plans to deepen its focus on helping Singaporeans take charge of their health journey, not just through insurance products, but through programmes and initiatives that encourage healthier habits and more conversations around wellness.
'We are placing greater emphasis on health-centric solutions, and will be introducing new initiatives in the last quarter of this year, designed to empower customers to lead healthier lives and elevate their overall well-being' says Mr Meslet.