Beyond Longevity: Singapore’s Urgent Roadmap
As Singapore crosses the threshold into becoming a «super-aged» society, the real crisis isn’t just demographic – it’s how unprepared many citizens are for the economic, emotional and logistical weight of long-term care. A new white paper by Singlife issues a stark wake-up call: the time to plan is now.
By 2026, one in five Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older. Just four years later, that number will rise to one in four. While improved longevity reflects the success of public health and social stability, it also brings with it an urgent reality: longer lives often come with longer years spent in poor health.
From stroke and cancer to dementia, Singaporeans are increasingly living with conditions that compromise their independence. Half of those aged over 65 are expected to experience severe disability at some point – needing help with basic tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating.
Ten-Year Burden of Care
Singlife’s claims data paints a sobering picture: the average long-term care claim spans a decade, with costs averaging nearly S$3,000 per month. Yet, the national CareShield Life scheme only covers up to S$662 per month, leaving a massive financial shortfall.
Shockingly, 57 percent of Singaporeans underestimate this cost. And although 90 percent recognise the financial risks of long-term disability, only 60 percent have made any attempt to prepare. One-third of adults over 30 have no private insurance supplement – a glaring accountability gap.
Caregiving: A Hidden Economy
Beyond financial costs, the emotional toll is equally severe. With households shrinking and singlehood on the rise, caregiving is increasingly falling on fewer shoulders. Informal caregivers, mostly family, are clocking up to 33 hours a week, a burden that often leads to lost income, career stagnation, and psychological distress.
Two in three Singaporeans fear becoming a burden, and for good reason: long-term care is as emotionally taxing as it is expensive. Dementia alone – expected to affect over 152,000 Singaporeans by 2030 – demands round-the-clock support and comes with profound social isolation for both patients and caregivers.
From Fragmentation to Integration
The current long-term care system is fragmented, complex, and often overwhelming. Many families, especially those not assigned a social worker, are left to navigate a maze of home nursing, rehab, and palliative care services with little guidance.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health is responding with plans to unify services under Integrated Community Care Providers. The goal? A seamless, coordinated care journey that adapts to evolving needs, especially in a citizen’s final decade of life.
Building a Culture of Preparedness
Long-term care isn’t just a government responsibility. The Singlife report stresses the need for individual accountability: financial literacy, early insurance planning, and a mental shift from lifestyle-focused retirement to one grounded in care readiness.
It also means reshaping public perceptions. Young adults must understand that disability isn’t just an elderly issue – Singlife’s youngest long-term care claimant was only 32. Public education campaigns must target all ages and focus not just on care costs, but on prevention and active ageing.
Kampung Comeback
With more seniors ageing without children, the revival of the «kampung spirit» is critical. Community-based models – like Japan’s Volunteer Points System – can be adapted to foster mutual care, social engagement, and practical support.
Singapore is already investing S$800 million to scale Active Ageing Centres. Initiatives like Gym Tonic and shared caregiving homes are helping seniors stay mobile, engaged, and connected. But these must be expanded quickly to meet growing demand.
Financing Framework for the Future
To meet the long-term care challenge, Singapore needs an integrated financing model built on five pillars: insurance, savings, subsidies, community services, and family support. With the retirement base cost already exceeding S$680,000, long-term care can add another S$420,000 or more over a decade.
This is not just a financial challenge – it’s a question of dignity, independence, and how we define the final chapters of our lives. A collaborative effort between the public, private and social sectors is essential to build a system that’s sustainable and compassionate.
Time to Act Is Now
Singlife’s white paper is a clarion call: the era of passive awareness is over. Singapore must act decisively – not just with policies and dollars, but with a cultural shift in how individuals view ageing, disability, and care.
If we plan early, collaborate widely, and integrate care deeply, long-term care can evolve from looming crisis to shared opportunity – ensuring every Singaporean can age with dignity, assurance, and peace of mind.
