Blue Zones are areas in the world where the residents lead a long, happy and comparatively disease-free life. Mostly, such places are located in remote areas and use traditional methods of living. However, a city that has challenged this norm is Singapore, which has become an urban blue zone, given its metropolitan setting.
This island state city saw a drastic jump in its population from 1960, when a resident was expected to live to 65, but today, the life expectancy is more than 86 years of age, according to estimates. Also, according to reports, the number of centenarians has almost doubled over the 10-year period from 2010 to 2020. This made the researchers wonder what the reason behind this exponential gain was.
The simple reasons are government policy, investment, and awareness. With these factors, Singapore was named the world’s sixth “Blue Zone” in 2023. This term was coined by National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner, who says that for a healthy, long and happy life, the major reasons are culture, food, lifestyle, mindset, and community.
Urban Planning
Urban planning is the key to Singapore’s longevity plans, as the government has created spaces that promote physical activity. With an abundance of gardens, green corridors, scenic walkways and walking routes, the residents are encouraged to walk, making the city gain the title of ‘Garden City.’ One such example is having the metro station in the middle of a park, which allows the commuter to take the garden route towards the metro. The community parks also have open gyms, fitness stations, and workout areas for everyone, as well as community classes for the older population so that they are not isolated in their homes. It can be noted that being in a community and avoiding isolation can have a very positive mental impact and can contribute to overall wellness.
Smart Public Policies
Many strategic policies are also in place by the government, which is a testament to their commitment to community welfare. Imposing high taxes on tobacco and alcoholic beverages is one such policy, and very stringent smoking prohibitions in public are key to creating a healthy outdoor environment. One of the most unique policies is that the elderly live closer to their children, which the government aids by providing incentives to children who choose to stay close to their parents.
Besides this, the food habits of the city should also be kept in mind. Nutrition is the key to a healthy life, and it is one thing that the Singaporean government keeps in mind. While delicious local cuisine, it can also be a source of added sugar, sodium, and refined oil. For that, the restaurant owners and the residents are encouraged to make better food choices and curb sugar and sodium in their diet. In light of this, compulsory nutritional labelling and reduced sugar content in beverages have become the norm.
Focus on Healthcare
The Singapore healthcare system is top-notch in terms of accessibility, affordability, and high level of care. The residents have access to good healthcare, and the government also promotes health savings accounts for any out-of-blue expense. Mental well-being is also given utmost importance with programs like Beyond the Label, which encourages people to talk about mental health in public. Thus, many community centres offer mindfulness courses and stress-relief workshops, which aid in overall public wellness.
Amping Up the Technology
The city is also known for its technological advancements in promoting wellness. Like the Smart Nation initiative, where mobile apps and wearable devices help monitor health and access medical advice. One such app, Healthy 365, is an engaging app accessible to all. Even the car policy is very strict as the promotion of walking is initiated; this is the reason that the city has fewer cars as the tax imposition on them is high. That is why there is a curb on too many vehicles in the city, making the city less prone to pollution.
