Living well for longer: How S’poreans can prepare for a better quality of life

As lifespans rise, the challenge is to sustain health, financial security and supportive environments across more years – priorities that HSBC Life seeks to strengthen through its Live Life Well initiative SINGAPORE’S longevity is widely regarded as one of its most significant achievements. Today, Singaporeans live to an average of about 84 years , according to the Department of Statistics – among the highest life expectancies globally. However, more years do not automatically translate into better ones. Many still spend close to a decade in ill health, as cited in the NUS Healthy Longevity (HELO) survey . The survey also suggests that while over 80 per cent of Singaporeans understand the concept of lifespan, fewer than half are familiar with the idea of “healthspan” – the years lived in good health. The task ahead, therefore, is not simply extending lifespan but improving the quality of those additional years. In reality, quality of life rarely hinges on a single factor. As the HSBC Quality of Life Report 2024 highlights, physical and mental wellness are obvious components, but financial fitness and strong family and community connections also play crucial roles. When one of these dimensions weakens, the others tend to suffer too. As lifespans extend and well-being becomes more multi-dimensional, the systems that support it need to evolve too. For decades, insurance has helped individuals prepare for uncertainties such as illness, disability, retirement and mortality. The traditional model has been largely reactive: An illness occurs, a claim is made and a payout is provided. But this approach is no longer enough. Greater emphasis is needed on early prevention and building resilient systems that can support individuals across longer, healthier lives. This view of well-being sits at the heart of the Live Life Well initiative by HSBC Life, built on four pillars: product innovation and inclusive insurance, healthier workplaces, health literacy, as well as philanthropy and community resilience. Together, these pillars mark a shift from episodic medical treatment towards proactive prevention – reducing risks earlier so individuals can pursue well-being throughout their lives. The initiative also reflects a broader belief that ageing well must go hand in hand with planning for the financial realities of longer lifespans. Protect your future as health journeys evolve Longevity is not simply about adding years to life – it is about adding life to those years. For individuals who have overcome illness or are responsibly managing chronic conditions, access to insurance coverage can often be uncertain. Medical advances mean conditions that once curtailed life expectancy are now often treatable or manageable. As a result, many individuals today continue to lead active and productive lives despite medical histories that might previously have limited their options. Yet insurance assessments have traditionally relied heavily on historical medical records, which can make it harder for some individuals to obtain protection. Closing the protection gap begins with widening access – ensuring more Singaporeans can receive the protection they need. PHOTO: HSBC LIFE Against this backdrop, HSBC Life is seeking ways to improve access to care by re-examining how insurance coverage is assessed, moving towards evaluating applications based on a person’s current health status and how their condition is being managed today. This includes exploring health, critical illness and life coverage for individuals who have recovered from some cancers, as well as those who are effectively managing chronic conditions such as hyperlipidaemia, being overweight, gastritis, cataracts and abnormal urinalysis. Beyond this, the insurer is exploring ways to extend coverage to functional, active individuals with autism who are otherwise physically healthy, while also enhancing support for dementia care by covering outpatient treatments and medications. Says Manu Tandon, chief health officer at HSBC Life Singapore: “Many conditions that once led to automatic exclusions can now be responsibly assessed on a case-by-case basis. “We want to ensure that more Singaporeans have access to protection that reflects their real health status, not outdated assumptions.” Create healthier habits in everyday life – including at work For many adults, the workplace is where daily habits can take shape – from managing stress levels and physical activity to sleep patterns and diet. The HELO survey found that older Singaporeans are more likely to adopt healthy habits such as exercise, diet and regular medical check-ups, while younger adults report lower participation in preventive behaviours. This suggests younger adults may be missing opportunities to build healthier lifestyles earlier in life. Recognising this gap, HSBC Life is partnering with NHG Health to promote workplace wellness initiatives among its corporate customers. These efforts focus on encouraging preventive health practices while raising awareness of the importance of maintaining both physical and mental well-being. The approach goes beyond traditional workplace safety requirements. Instead, it aims to build healthier workplace environments where employees are supported in adopting healthier habits and making more informed decisions about their health. By supporting preventive health and well-being at work, organisations can help employees live not just longer lives, but healthier ones as well. PHOTO: HSBC LIFE This is complemented by HSBC Life’s efforts to strengthen health literacy through bi-monthly newsletters that provide practical guidance across six themes of living well, encouraging individuals to build sustainable, everyday habits. Build financial resilience for the years ahead Living longer means individuals are likely to move through more life transitions – from career changes and caregiving responsibilities to shifts in living arrangements and new healthcare needs. Each transition brings its own priorities and financial demands, whether it is managing everyday expenses, funding healthcare or supporting family members. Longevity today is therefore both a health journey and a financial one. Choices made earlier in life – in how individuals care for their health and plan their finances – can shape the flexibility and opportunities available to them later. Building financial resilience has therefore become increasingly important. Insurers are beginning to consider how they can support individuals earlier in their journey, from helping them manage healthcare costs, to protecting against risks and strengthening financial resilience over time. Through a range of protection, health and wealth solutions, HSBC Life aims to support customers in navigating these evolving needs. Says Harpreet Bindra, chief executive officer at HSBC Life Singapore: “Longevity is one of humanity’s greatest achievements – we have successfully bought ourselves more time. But it is not something that simply happens to us – rather, something we shape through the choices we make long before it arrives. “The earlier we start thinking about how we want to live, the more options we will have when it matters most. Ultimately, the true measure of success will not be how long we live, but the vitality, dignity and purpose we experience in every year of life – and the memories we build and carry with us along the way.” Plan for every dimension of a longer life, whether it is physical, mental, social or financial. Learn more about Live Life Well here . Terms and conditions apply. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Information is correct as at 17 April 2026.