Singapore ranks 10th globally in aging preparedness, according to groundbreaking research by NUS and Columbia University. The study evaluates readiness across well-being, security and other key domains, positioning Singapore as the leader in Asia.
Singapore has secured its place among the world’s top 10 nations and leads Asia in readiness to address the challenges and opportunities of an aging population, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Columbia University.
The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, introduces the Global Aging Index, a benchmark designed to assess how prepared 143 countries are to support their aging populations. This index covers nations accounting for 95.4% of the world’s population and measures readiness across five essential domains: well-being, security, productivity and engagement, equity and cohesion.
Using insights from 25 experts across high-, middle- and low-income countries, the study highlights the disparities in preparedness levels, especially between high-income nations like Switzerland, which tops the list, and lower-income countries, many of which are aging rapidly. Notably, Singapore ranks 10th globally and first in Asia, surpassing Japan, which is positioned 15th globally and second in Asia.
Cynthia Chen, an assistant professor at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), and John W. Rowe, a professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, led this landmark study with the support of Julian Lim, a research assistant at NUS SSHSPH.
Chen emphasized the urgency of addressing aging-related challenges, particularly for lower-income nations.
“While high-income countries lead the rankings in readiness for a rapidly aging society, low- and middle-income nations trail behind. Although low- and middle-income countries often have younger populations today, many are expected to experience rapid population aging in the future. Individuals with limited financial security may face serious challenges in accessing healthcare later in life. If health and social security systems remain insufficient to address the needs of older adults, the financial burden on individuals and their families could escalate, potentially leading to widespread economic consequences,” she said in a news release.
Singapore excels particularly in the domain of well-being, achieving the highest global ranking. The country boasts the longest healthy life expectancy, strong universal health coverage and high life satisfaction among its older residents. The Ministry of Health’s initiatives such as Healthier SG, which focuses on preventive care, have been pivotal in these achievements.
In the realm of security, Singapore places 6th globally, with high rankings in average income, perceived safety and satisfaction with health care quality among those aged 50 and above. The nation’s efforts in chronic disease prevention and mental health resilience are also highly noted.
However, the study reveals areas needing improvement. In productivity and engagement, equity and cohesion, Singapore’s rankings indicate significant growth potential. For instance, the nation stands at 17th in productivity and engagement but could enhance labor force participation and volunteer opportunities for older adults.
To combat these challenges, Singapore has implemented initiatives such as the Health District @ Queenstown (HD@QT). Co-led by the National University Health System (NUHS), NUS and the Housing & Development Board (HDB), HD@QT strives to promote holistic well-being across all life stages.
John Eu-Li Wong, a professor at NUS, executive director of NUS Centre for Population Health and senior advisor at NUHS, sees the findings as a validation of Singapore’s proactive measures.
“The findings of this study inform and validate our efforts at the Health District @ Queenstown,” he said in the news release. “We strive to co-create with residents and service providers an inclusive community that fosters healthy, purposeful lives across the lifespan. Successful sustainable programs from Queenstown, which have been designed to align with the domains of the Global Aging Society Index, can be scaled to the whole of Singapore to address the evolving challenges of an aging population.”
“As initiatives such as HD@QT take root, we hope to demonstrate how societies can turn the challenges of aging into a blueprint for healthy, purposeful longevity and empowerment,” added Wong.
The study underscores the importance of holistic, proactive approaches to aging and sets a benchmark for other countries striving to support their aging populations effectively.