7 in 10 Gen Zs doubt health in old age

Prudential emphasised the role of financial planning to manage future healthcare costs.

Nearly 70% of Gen Zs expressed doubts about maintaining physical health in old age and half feeling unconfident about their mental health, according to a Prudential survey.  

Dr. Sidharth Kachroo, Chief Health Officer at Prudential Singapore, emphasised the importance of extending healthspan, noting that it is about increasing the number of healthy years in life, not just adding years.

The average life expectancy in Singapore is 84 years, whilst the average healthspan—years spent in good health—is 74. This means Singaporeans spend about a decade living in ill health.  

Top physical health concerns amongst Gen Zs include the inability to perform daily tasks (35%), unaffordable healthcare (33%), and chronic illnesses (31%). 

Mental health concerns include social isolation (34%), cognitive decline (32%), and depression or anxiety (27%). 

Around 40% of Gen Z respondents focus on reducing work-related stress, underscoring the importance of work-life balance.  

Kachroo also stressed the role of financial planning to manage future healthcare costs, calling for a proactive approach to maintaining independence in old age.  

Singaporeans view healthy ageing as being physically active (43%), free from chronic illness (35%), and maintaining cognitive function. Key drivers of health management include adequate sleep (55%), a balanced diet (46%), and regular exercise (45%). 

Millennials especially value sleep, with 63% ranking it as a priority compared to 48% of Gen Zs.