Average Life Expectancy in Singapore: Data, Trends, & Statistics (2025)

Curious about the average life expectancy in Singapore? How long are Singaporeans expected to live?

We dug into the data and uncovered some interesting insights.

In this article, we’ll explore the average life expectancy for both men and women in Singapore, how the country ranks globally, future projections, and the reasons behind Singapore’s impressive longevity.

However, a longer life expectancy isn’t always a purely positive thing. It also means you’ll need a larger nest egg to sustain your retirement, making it even more important to focus on smarter ways to save and invest. We’ve included actionable steps at the end of this article to help you get started.

So, read on!

Summary of Key Findings

• The average life expectancy in Singapore currently stands at 83 years
• In 2021, life expectancy fell for the first time since records began in 1957
• Men in Singapore can expect to live an average of 80.7 years, while women enjoy a longer life expectancy of 85.2 years
• Globally, Singapore ranks 7th for highest life expectancy
• By 2040, Singapore’s life expectancy is projected to rise even further, reaching 85.4 years

The Source of Our Data

Although various studies have explored this topic using different methodologies, we chose to rely on national statistics for consistency and accuracy.

Our primary data source is the Singapore Department of Statistics, which has been publishing comprehensive reports on the life expectancy of Singapore residents since 1960.

As of 7 Jan 2025, the most recent data was published on 6 Jun 2024.

The Definition of Life Expectancy

Simply put, life expectancy is the average number of years a person is expected to live. There are two key ways to measure life expectancy:

1. At birth – This is the number of years a newborn is expected to live. When we mention “life expectancy” in this article, we are referring to this measure.
2. At age 65 – This refers to the number of additional years a person aged 65 is expected to live.

For this article, the focus will remain on life expectancy at birth.

5 Statistics on Life Expectancy in Singapore (2025)

Here are some noteworthy facts and statistics on life expectancy in Singapore.

1) The average life expectancy in Singapore is 83 years

	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000	1999	1998	1997	1996	1995	1994	1993	1992	1991	1990	1989	1988	1987	1986	1985	1984	1983	1982	1981	1980
Total Life Expectancy At Birth	83	83	83.2	83.7	83.7	83.4	83.2	83	82.9	82.6	82.4	82.1	81.9	81.7	81.4	80.9	80.6	80.3	80.1	79.6	79.1	78.6	78.3	78	77.6	77.3	76.9	76.6	76.3	76.2	76.1	75.9	75.6	75.3	74.9	74.7	74.5	74.2	73.9	73.3	73	72.6	72.5	72.1

Life expectancy has seen significant growth over the decades, rising from 72.5 years in 1981 to 83 years in 2023 — an increase of 14.5%. To put it another way, Singaporeans are now living an average of 11 years longer compared to four decades ago.

Over the past decade (2013–2023), life expectancy has continued its upward climb, increasing by 0.7% from 82.4 years.

Here’s an interesting fact: from 1957 (when data tracking began), life expectancy in Singapore has consistently increased — never declining or stagnating. The sole exceptions occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a drop from 83.7 years in 2020 to 83.2 years in 2021 and further to 83.0 years in 2022.

That said, life expectancy remained stable from 2019 to 2020.

Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend remains positive, and life expectancy is expected to continue rising for decades to come.

2) The average life expectancy of males in Singapore is 80.7 years

	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000	1999	1998	1997	1996	1995	1994	1993	1992	1991	1990	1989	1988	1987	1986	1985	1984	1983	1982	1981	1980
Male Life Expectancy At Birth	80.7	80.7	80.8	81.3	81.4	81.2	80.9	80.7	80.5	80.3	80.1	79.8	79.5	79.2	78.9	78.4	78.1	77.8	77.6	77.1	76.6	76.6	76.3	76	75.6	75.3	74.8	74.4	74.1	74.1	73.9	73.8	73.5	73.1	72.8	72.6	72.5	72.1	71.5	70.9	70.5	70.2	70.1	69.8

For males, the average life expectancy is currently 80.7 years.

This figure has grown significantly over the years, rising from 70.1 years in 1981 to 80.7 years in 2023 — an increase of 15.1%.

Over the past decade (2013–2023), male life expectancy rose by 0.6 years, from 80.1 years to its current figure. However, compared to last year, male life expectancy remained unchanged.

3) The average life expectancy of females in Singapore is 85.2 years

	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000	1999	1998	1997	1996	1995	1994	1993	1992	1991	1990	1989	1988	1987	1986	1985	1984	1983	1982	1981	1980
Female Life Expectancy At Birth	85.2	85.2	85.5	85.9	85.9	85.5	85.4	85.1	85.1	84.8	84.5	84.3	84.1	84	83.7	83.3	82.9	82.6	82.5	82	81.6	80.6	80.3	80	79.6	79.4	79.1	78.9	78.6	78.4	78.3	78.2	77.9	77.6	77.2	76.9	76.7	76.5	76.4	75.8	75.7	75.3	75.2	74.7

Women in Singapore continue to outlive men, with a current average life expectancy of 85.2 years.

Since 1981, female life expectancy at birth has risen from 75.2 years to 85.2 years in 2023, a 13.3% increase.

Over the past decade, it has grown by 0.7 years, increasing from 84.5 years in 2013.

However, there were periods of stagnation and decline. From 2019 to 2020, life expectancy for females remained steady at 85.9 years, before declining in 2021 and 2022.

4) Singapore’s life expectancy is ranked 7th in the world

Singapore ranks 7th in the world for life expectancy, with a combined average of 84.27 years (as reported by other sources).

Curious about which country takes the top spot?

Here’s a list of the top 10 countries with the highest life expectancy:

Rank	Country	Years
1	Monaco	87.01
2	Hong Kong	85.83
3	Macau	85.51
4	Japan	84.95
5	Liechtenstein	84.77
6	Switzerland	84.38
7	Singapore	84.27
8	Italy	84.20
9	Vatican City	84.16
10	South Korea	84.14

And on the flip side, here are the countries with the lowest life expectancy:

Rank	Country	Years
1	Chad	53.68
2	Nigeria	53.87
3	Lesotho	54.91
4	Central Africa Republic	55.48
5	South Sudan	56.51

For context, the global average life expectancy is 73.4 years, putting Singapore well above the global benchmark.

5) Life expectancy in Singapore is estimated to reach 85.4 years in 2040

Think Singapore’s life expectancy is high now? It’s projected to reach 85.4 years by 2040.

While this is a positive milestone, there’s a downside.

People are spending more of those additional years in ill health, due to factors like an ageing population and the increased prevalence of illnesses in the elderly.

Why is Singapore’s Life Expectancy So High?

Singaporeans are living longer, but why?

Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha from Singapore General Hospital attributes this to early prevention and detection of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Early intervention allows these conditions to be managed effectively through long-term medication, regular follow-ups, and close monitoring.

Another key factor is Singapore’s streamlined healthcare system, which has enhanced communication between doctors, patients, and caregivers. This fosters efficient and timely care, ensuring that individuals receive the treatment they need when they need it.

Additionally, medical advancements have played a crucial role. From improved diagnostic tools to cutting-edge cancer treatments, healthcare innovation has transformed patient outcomes. For instance, new chemotherapy antibodies are now used to target specific types of cancer, significantly improving recovery rates.

The Financial Impacts of a Longer Life Expectancy

Is living longer always a blessing? The answer depends.

If you can live comfortably, remain mentally sharp, and enjoy good health (or only minor ailments), a longer life is a gift.

However, as our bodies inevitably age, challenges arise. Planning ahead is essential to mitigate these impacts.

1) Spending more time in ill health

While Singaporeans enjoy long lives, they also spend a significant portion of their later years in ill health.

A study revealed that in 2017, Singaporeans spent an average of 10.6 years in poor health — 1.5 years longer than in 1990. Furthermore, individuals born in 2017 can expect to live 12.5% of their lives in ill health, up from 11.8% in 1990.

This trend is largely driven by Singapore’s ageing population. Older individuals are more susceptible to illnesses and now make up a larger share of the population.

What can you do?

To prepare for potential health issues, ensure you have adequate hospitalisation coverage to protect yourself and your finances.

2) Lower premiums for life insurance

Here’s some good news: life insurance, particularly term insurance, has become more affordable over the years.

A $1 million term policy that was prohibitively expensive a decade ago is now far more accessible. Why? As life expectancy rises, the probability of death decreases, reducing the likelihood of claims. To stay competitive, insurers have lowered premiums.

This means you might find a new term policy with the same coverage cheaper than your current one. However, if you’re considering switching, proceed cautiously — especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

3) Planning for a longer retirement

This is perhaps the most obvious yet impactful implication of living longer.

Imagine you plan to retire at 65 years old, with an expected life expectancy of 80 years. You’ll need to save enough to last 15 years. But if life expectancy increases to 85 years, you’ll now need savings to last 20 years, an extra 5 years of financial support.

This has significant consequences.

You’ll need to save more or work longer to bridge the gap. While continuing to work is a great option for some, it’s not always viable due to age-related illnesses or physical limitations.

What’s the solution?

Start planning for retirement now. Even small, consistent contributions today can significantly reduce your financial burden later. Retirement is inevitable — so why not start preparing for it early?

Conclusion

In summary, Singapore’s life expectancy is on the rise, and that trend will likely continue for decades. While this is great news, it comes with its own set of challenges — spending more years in ill health, requiring more retirement savings, and adapting to an evolving insurance landscape.

The key takeaway? Plan ahead.

Take action today by:

• Exploring critical illness insurance to alleviate the financial burden of future health issues.
• Leveraging the lower cost of term insurance to secure affordable coverage.
• Starting your retirement planning journey as early as possible.