As people live longer, more are asking the questions, "What will the quality of those years look like?" and "ow do we live longer with health, dignity, independence and purpose?", according to AIA Singapore CEO Wong Sze Keed.
At the AIA Healthcare Summit 2026, held yesterday under the theme “Purposeful Longevity: Advancing Holistic Health
Through Public-Private Partnerships”, Ms Wong said the conversation around longevity needs to move beyond simply extending lifespan.
She added, "We are living longer than before. But the real challenge is not just lifespan — it is healthspan: the years we remain healthy, active, resilient and able to participate fully in life."
AIA has been encouraging people to “move beyond narrow or restrictive ideas of health” and instead view wellbeing as something more holistic, inclusive and achievable across the physical, mental and financial dimensions, she said.
“Thriving in an older Asia reminds us that healthy ageing is not only about medicine or genetics,” Ms Wong said. “Social connection, daily habits, community participation and a sense of purpose can be just as important in helping people stay active, independent and fulfilled.”
Ageing a growing concern
Despite Singaporeans living longer, longevity is not necessarily viewed positively by everyone. According to AIA’s 2026 Longevity Study, 51% of Singaporeans see living longer as a concern rather than an opportunity.
Addressing this concern, Ms Wong said: “Why this anxiety? Because although Singaporeans are living longer, they do not expect all of those additional years to be spent in good health.”
She added, "On average, Singaporeans expect to live to 80.2 years old, but believe their health will begin to decline at 70.2. This uncertainty is particularly pronounced among younger Singaporeans, many of whom anticipate an even wider gap between their lifespan and healthspan."
Ms Wong emphasised, "That is exactly why we must reframe the conversation. We must move from simply living longer, to living longer with confidence, wellbeing, and purpose."
Yesterday's summit brought together more than 700 policymakers, clinical specialists, technology innovators, and corporate leaders to discuss the societal, financial, and infrastructural challenges of Singapore's rapidly ageing population.