Singapore has been designated as the world's sixth Blue Zone, a region renowned for long and healthy lives. In contrast to natural Blue Zones, Singapore is a "manufactured city," known for its high-rise public housing, fostering community interaction. Government policies like the proximity housing grant encourage families to live near each other. Singapore's excellent public transport system and high car prices promote physical activity, and hawker centres offer nutritious meals. The recognition showcases Singapore's dedication to enhancing the longevity and well-being of its residents.
Singapore has been recognized as the world's sixth Blue Zone, a term popularized by journalist and researcher Dan Buettner to describe regions where people live longer and healthier lives. Blue Zones are characterized by common traits such as a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, and a sense of purpose among their inhabitants.
The original five Blue Zone regions include Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California. Unlike these naturally occurring Blue Zones, Singapore is described by Buettner as a "manufactured city" in his Netflix documentary "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones."
Singapore has seen significant improvements in life expectancy over the years. The latest government data from 2022 reveals a life expectancy of 80.7 years for men and 85.2 years for women. This is a substantial increase from an average life expectancy of just 65 years in 1960, according to World Bank data.
A distinctive feature of Singapore's urban landscape is its high-rise public housing apartment blocks, commonly known as HDB flats. These flats, built by the Housing Development Board, are intentionally designed to foster social interaction among residents. Each HDB estate typically comprises identical apartment blocks and offers communal spaces like playgrounds, fitness areas, and community gardens.
Despite its highly urbanized environment, Singapore's shared spaces provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to connect. The government has also introduced policies like the proximity housing grant to encourage couples to purchase resale apartments to live near their parents or children. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by an ageing population and offers grants of up to SGD 30,000 (approximately $22,000) if couples choose to live with their parents or children.
Singapore's well-connected public transport system serves nearly half of the country's 5.6 million population, a significant contrast to the United States where only about 5% of the population uses public transport. Singapore's high car prices, which can be up to five times higher than in the United States, discourage car ownership, prompting residents to walk more and engage in daily physical activity.
Hawker centres in Singapore are renowned for offering affordable and delicious meals under one roof. To promote healthier eating habits, the government introduced a "Healthier Choice" symbol to designate healthier food options, enabling consumers to make informed choices. The layout of hawker centres also fosters community interaction.
In summary, Singapore's recognition as a Blue Zone reflects its commitment to promoting longevity and well-being among its residents. The deliberate design of urban spaces, policies that encourage social connections and healthy lifestyles, and initiatives to provide nutritious food options contribute to Singapore's status as a place where people live longer, healthier lives.
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