Lack of confidence stems from increase in prevalence of chronic diseases; incentives and proactive approach are crucial in building a healthier Singapore

The Singapore report titled "Battling chronic disease in Singapore: Reducing risk and building awareness" is based on an analysis of 300 Singapore residents. It explores how Singapore residents' aspirations and their concepts of success may be changing amid longer life spans and ever-evolving challenges to health and wellbeing. Singapore also ranked the third lowest in confidence to live well according to a regional edition of the report, which surveyed 5,000 people across 13 Asian markets.[1] The lack of confidence in living well till old age stems from the high levels of chronic health conditions in the Singapore population, where 32 per cent have been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) and 37 per cent with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).[2] Diabetes is also one of the most common chronic diseases that is of concern. However, there is a silver lining as the survey found that Singapore residents are re-evaluating their priorities and placing more importance on physical fitness. When asked to rank what's most important to them today compared to 5 years ago, respondents ranked physical fitness as third most important today compared to eighth place five years ago. Mr Dennis Tan, CEO of Prudential Singapore, said that it is vital to take a preventive and proactive approach to health and wellness. "We are responsible for our own health and wellness especially as we live longer years. Singapore has an aging population, and the incidence rate of chronic diseases will also increase with age. If we start leading a healthy lifestyle as early as possible, we can lay a strong foundation to enjoy our life to the fullest and into our golden years. Staying healthy also means that we will reduce the need for medical treatment in the long run." Incentives useful in promoting healthy behaviours While Singapore residents placed greater emphasis on physical health, incentives are also useful in promoting healthy lifestyles and bringing down chronic disease levels. Respondents indicated that government incentives (51 per cent) and incentives offered by insurance providers (40 per cent) are key factors in motivating them to change their behaviour. Among the 13 countries surveyed, Singapore residents appear to be the most receptive to incentives by the government, employers and others, to take a more proactive approach to improving their health. More than 6 in 10 (65 per cent) of respondents from Singapore agree that government policies and support are helpful in enabling them to improve their physical health, higher than the regional average (55 per cent). The report also showed that Singapore residents are leveraging technology to help track their health. Over 75 per cent of respondents – higher than the 72 per cent regional average – reported using mobile apps to monitor and/or improve their physical health and fitness. Experts interviewed for the report shared that national programmes such as the National Steps Challenge have a part to play in encouraging this behaviour. As part of the Challenge, citizens use a wearable fitness tracker and mobile health app to record their physical activity levels and earn rewards for increasing their physical activity.[3]Taking a proactive approach to health screenings and health management Early screenings, detection and treatment can result in better outcomes for chronic diseases. However, according to Dr Clive Tan, assistant professor, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, many people are reluctant to get screened due to a fear of receiving bad news, and that "too often people think the onset of a disease is a death sentence." [4] Dr Tan was one of the experts interviewed for the report. He also shared that most health screenings today are transactional. The purpose of screening is not only to inform people about the disease risks that they face, but to also help them make the behavioural changes needed to address their risk factors. Dr Low Lip Ping, chairman emeritus of the Singapore Heart Foundation, noted as part of his contribution to the report that "Primary care physicians will need to become more proactive in their communities in explaining the implications of, for example, hypertension and high cholesterol, and precisely what patients need to do to manage those risks."[5]Supporting a healthier Singapore Prudential offers a variety of initiatives to help customers and the community take better care of their health for long-term wellness. For example,...