Live Like a Singaporean: 10 Habits for Staying Healthy Past 90

Singapore is shattering longevity records, transforming into a modern-day “blue zone” where residents thrive well into their 80s and 90s, defying age with vibrant, active lifestyles. It’s not a quiet village, but a modern city that’s cracked the code on aging gracefully.

What’s their secret? Singaporeans blend old wisdom with new ideas, from diverse foods to community involvement. But you don’t need to move there to live longer. Let’s look at 10 simple ways you can live like a Singaporean and add more healthy years to your life.

1. Choose Active Transportation

Ditch the car for short trips. Walk or bike to nearby places when you can. This habit reduces air pollution and traffic congestion, making cities healthier for everyone. It also encourages city planners to create more pedestrian-friendly spaces.

2. Practice Mindful Eating

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Try eating until you’re satisfied, not stuffed. Enjoy your food slowly and pay attention to how you feel. This can help maintain a healthy weight and improve your relationship with food.

3. Embrace Wellness as a Lifestyle

Choose nutritious foods and regular exercise as daily habits. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. When more people make healthy choices, it can lower healthcare costs for everyone. It also sets a positive example for future generations.

4. Prioritize Family Connections

Make time for family gatherings and traditions. Support multi-generational living when possible. Strong family ties create a support system that benefits both young and old. This can reduce stress on public health services and promote better mental health across generations.

5. Foster Community Spirit

Get involved in local events and initiatives. Know your neighbors and look out for each other. A strong sense of community leads to safer neighborhoods and more support for those in need. It can also reduce loneliness and improve overall well-being in society.

6. Support Universal Healthcare

Advocate for accessible and affordable healthcare for all. Regular check-ups and preventive care should be easy to get. When everyone has access to good healthcare, society as a whole becomes healthier. It can lead to earlier detection of diseases and better public health outcomes.

7. Prioritize Preventive Care

Don’t skip check-ups and screenings. Catch health issues early when they’re easier to treat. Think of it as routine maintenance for your body. It’s much easier to prevent problems than fix them later.

8. Practice Tai Chi In The Park

Early in the morning, you can see people doing tai chi in parks. This slow, gentle exercise is great for balance and strength. It also helps people relax and feel calm, which is good for both body and mind.

9. Respect Rules for the Common Good

Follow laws designed to protect public health and safety. This includes traffic rules, food safety regulations, and public cleanliness laws. When everyone follows these rules, it creates a safer and healthier environment for all. It can reduce accidents, prevent the spread of diseases, and improve quality of life in communities.

10. Find Purpose Through Helping Others

Volunteer, mentor, or help out in your community. Giving back keeps you active and connected. It gives you a reason to get up each day and makes you feel good. Helping others helps you, too!