Singaporeans Prioritize Pursuit of Purpose Over Relaxation in 2025's AIA Wellness Report
In the heart of August 2025, Singapore's National Day Rally took centre stage, with the theme of the event being none other than the National Day Rally itself. The Prime Minister's Office set the stage for an insightful discussion on various pressing issues, including the well-being of retirees and the economy.
According to the eighth wave of the AIA Live Better Study, conducted from May 22 to June 13, 2025, with a sample size of 1,000 representing Singapore's general population, physical wellness emerged as the most crucial factor for a happy retirement, with 46% of respondents ranking it as their top priority.
Retirees in Singapore face unique challenges, such as managing cost of living and healthcare expenses. A survey published by AIA Singapore revealed that 2 in 5 retirees foresee spending a significant portion of their time managing healthcare conditions. Interestingly, less than 3 in 10 retirees work for financial reasons.
The Ministry of Health released a statement titled 'Keeping Healthcare Affordable and Sustainable for All' on March 7, 2025, addressing the concerns of retirees and the general population regarding healthcare costs.
To improve the quality of life for retirees, the Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative was announced in the National Day Rally 2025. This initiative promises more activity centres, home services, and healthcare in these neighbourhoods, providing a more comfortable environment for retirees.
The economy also took centre stage during the National Day Rally, with Singapore upgrading its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.5%-2.5%, following a robust 4.4% growth in Q2.
A happy retirement is strongly linked to spending time with family and friends. This sentiment is echoed by the majority of Singapore residents, with 1 in 2 planning to work upon retirement to maintain these connections. However, only 1 in 2 Singapore residents claim to be financially stable.
The studies and announcements discussed in this article were made in 2025, with sources from the Prime Minister's Office, Channel NewsAsia, the Ministry of Health, and The Straits Times. The results of the eighth edition of the AIA Live Better Studies were published by AIA Singapore on September 17, 2025.
In addition to the challenges faced by retirees, the survey also revealed that 27% seek a sense of purpose, 26% aim to cure boredom, and 18% desire to try something new in retirement. These findings underscore the importance of providing opportunities for personal growth and engagement in retirement communities.
In conclusion, the National Day Rally 2025 marked a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of retirees in Singapore. With initiatives like the Age Well Neighbourhoods, a focus on physical wellness, and a commitment to keeping healthcare affordable, Singapore is poised to create a brighter future for its retirees.
