Living longer doesn't necessarily mean living healthier. Despite having the world's highest life expectancy, people in Singapore spend many of their later years in poor health, according to new research published in The Lancet Public Health.
The study used 2023 data to estimate lifespans in 204 countries and found that Singapore topped the leaderboard, with the average citizen expected to live beyond their 85th birthday.
“Singapore’s longevity reflects deliberate long-term policy rather than any single cause,” study author Dr Marie Ng – associate professor at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS) – told BBC Science Focus.
“Its healthcare system, robust social protection and evidence-based governance all allow its citizens to thrive.”
The scientists also investigated healthspan: the number of years a person can expect to live in good health.
