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SINGAPORE: The life expectancy of Singaporeans is among the highest in the world at 81.4 and 85.7 for men and women respectively in 2019, according to the latest public sector report released on Thursday (Nov 26).
Singapore’s Public Sector Outcome Review, which is released every two years, also touched on COVID-19, saying the pandemic has fostered a “strong spirit of care and concern” for others.
The report, prepared by the Ministry of Finance, shows how Singapore has fared in key areas of national interest with data covering up to 2019 in most cases.
According to the report, the health-adjusted life expectancy at birth for Singaporeans is also one of the highest in the world. When measuring the number of years a person is expected to live in good health, the expectation is 72.6 for men and 75.8 for women in 2017.
Death rates in Singapore due to cancer, strokes and heart disease have also dropped over the years, according to the report.
However, about one in three residents ages 40 to 69 has hypertension, one in seven has diabetes, and two in five have high cholesterol.
“We will need to strengthen our efforts to address these chronic conditions and continue to build a strong health ecosystem that empowers Singaporeans to lead healthy lives,” the report said.
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COVID-19 PROMOTION OF A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONG OTHERS
While COVID-19 has affected many aspects of life, it has also sparked a strong sense of community among Singaporeans, according to the report.
More than 28,000 grassroots, public service and citizen volunteers assisted in the mask-collecting exercises nationwide, while more than 1,500 grassroots leaders and volunteers had taken on roles as safe distancing ambassadors.
People have also taken personal responsibility for abiding by national public health measures, according to the report. For example, the TraceTogether app covers more than 50% of the population, with more than 2.9 million app and token users in November.
The report said Singaporeans have displayed “everyday acts of caring” including through SGUnited, a digital portal for people to contribute to the national response to COVID-19.
Between January and May this year, a total of S $ 90 million was donated to the Community Chest, the Singapore Sayang Sayang Fund Community Foundation, as well as through the SG Cares app and donation platform Giving.sg.
The head of the civil service, Leo Yip, said that this year’s report recognizes the partnership between the government and the people in the collective fight against COVID-19.
“Working together has allowed us to serve those in need and overcome this crisis as one.
“Whether in crisis or normal, the Public Service will continue to strive for better results for our citizens and our businesses,” said Mr. Yip.
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90% OF THE HOUSEHOLD LIVES WITHIN 10 MINUTES WALKING FROM A PARK
With about 90 percent of households in Singapore living within a 10-minute walk of a park, Singapore ranks among one of the greenest and most livable cities in the world, according to the report.
Seventy percent of households are also within a 10-minute walk of a train station, he said.
There is affordable and accessible public housing, with 80% of resident households living in Housing and Development Board flats, and 90% own their own homes.
For families purchasing their first floor, they can use the CPF Improved Housing Grant of up to S $ 80,000, in addition to the subsidized price of the floor. A first-time family purchasing a resale apartment can also obtain total housing grants of up to Singapore $ 160,000.
The report also highlighted that cities are more technology-enabled and sustainable through features like smart utility meters and lights.
“These features will not only lower utility bills, but will also enable Singaporeans to contribute to sustainable living,” he said, noting that areas like Jurong Lake District and Punggol Digital District would bring jobs closer to home.
Singapore’s transportation network is also “convenient, reliable and accessible,” the report said.
With Singapore moving towards the 20-minute cities goal in a 45-minute city, this means that people can walk, bike, or travel to the nearest neighborhood center in 20 minutes and complete most trips in periods peak between your homes and workplaces within 45 minutes
