Singapore's life expectancy rises to 83.5 years in 2024

[SINGAPORE] Singapore’s life expectancy at birth in 2024 has seen an improvement over both 2023 and the past decade, according to figures released by the Department of Statistics on May 27.

Life expectancy for Singapore residents increased by 0.9 years over the past ten years—from 82.6 years in 2014 to 83.5 years in 2024. The latest figure also reflects a modest rise from the 83.2 years recorded in 2023.

Breaking down by gender, women in Singapore can now expect to live up to 85.6 years on average in 2024, compared to 81.2 years for men. Over the past decade, male life expectancy rose by 0.9 years, up from 80.3 years in 2014, while female life expectancy increased by 0.8 years from 84.8 years in the same period.

The upward trend in life expectancy has been attributed to a combination of factors, including enhanced healthcare infrastructure, advances in medical technology, and improved access to healthcare services. Government initiatives focusing on preventive care and public health campaigns have also played a crucial role in reducing chronic illnesses and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

However, the report also noted a temporary dip in life expectancy between 2020 and 2023, largely due to increased mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, The Straits Times reported a historic drop in life expectancy for the first time in over six decades of data collection, as mortality rates spiked due to the pandemic. Life expectancy fell by approximately 10 weeks—from 83.7 years in 2019 to 83.5 years in 2021.

Despite this decline, Singapore’s healthcare system showed resilience. Swift vaccine rollouts, efficient contact tracing, and strong public health measures helped reduce the pandemic’s impact on overall mortality. Consequently, life expectancy began to rebound in the years that followed.

The figures were released as part of the Report on the Complete Life Tables for Singapore Resident Population 2023-2024, which defines Singapore residents as citizens and permanent residents. The report underscores the need for continued investment in healthcare and social services to sustain the positive trend in life expectancy. Ongoing efforts by the government to enhance living standards, close health gaps, and promote active aging are expected to drive further improvements.

While both men and women have seen gains in longevity over the past decade, the gender gap in life expectancy persists—with women continuing to outlive men. This phenomenon, seen globally, stems from a mix of biological, behavioral, and social factors. Women typically have stronger immune responses and are more proactive about seeking medical care, whereas men are more likely to engage in risky behavior and delay treatment. Experts suggest that targeted health programs and awareness campaigns could help address these disparities and improve outcomes across the population.