Singapore, the cosmopolitan island city-state off southern Malaysia, has recently been hailed as the world’s sixth ‘Blue Zone’ — an area with the longest-living and happiest people. The longevity secrets in Singapore are attributed to its health-conscious policies, culture of activity, and strong community bonds.
In this article, we will delve into the factors contributing to Singapore’s status as a blue zone, focusing on Douglas Foo, a local entrepreneur embodying these longevity secrets.
Douglas Foo: An Embodiment of the Longevity Secrets in Singapore
Source: LinkedIn
Douglas Foo, a self-made millionaire, is the epitome of Singapore’s longevity secrets. Moreover, his journey began in 1997 when, at the young age of 28, he founded Sakae Sushi, a food chain that would soon become popular in Singapore.
Furthermore, Foo is a successful entrepreneur and embodies the lifestyle and values that have led Singapore to be recognized as the world’s sixth ‘Blue Zone’. These are regions where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Additionally, Dan Buettner, the founder of Blue Zones LLC, describes Foo as a family-oriented individual. This trait aligns with one of the core longevity secrets of Singapore – the significance of intergenerational connections and close-knit family ties.
Source: Dan Buettner – Blue Zones
Foo’s success story is a testament to the conducive environment that Singapore provides for both personal and professional growth. It showcases how embracing healthy lifestyle habits, maintaining strong social bonds, and pursuing one’s passion can lead to a fulfilling and long life.
So, while Singapore continues to enjoy its status as a ‘Blue Zone’, individuals like Douglas Foo stand as living emblems of the city-state’s longevity secrets.
Walking the Walk: Singapore’s Steps towards Longevity
One of the key longevity secrets in Singapore is the emphasis on physical activity. The government encourages residents to stay active through initiatives like the ‘National Steps Challenge,’ which rewards individuals for logging 10,000 steps per day. Local restaurants and shops can redeem these points, promoting both physical health and local businesses.
Healthcare: The Foundation of Longevity Secrets in Singapore
Moreover, the healthcare system in Singapore also contributes significantly to its citizens’ longevity. Furthermore, Singapore’s hospitals aren’t just medical institutions but community centres offering outdoor spaces, restaurants, and classes.
In addition, there are programs that dispatch nurses into the community to provide free screenings and connect patients with healthier food options. This proactive approach to healthcare, focused on preventing chronic diseases, is one of the crucial longevity secrets in Singapore.
Intergenerational Gatherings: The Social Fabric of Longevity Secrets in Singapore
Woven into the social fabric of Singapore are threads of intergenerational connections, another one of the longevity secrets in Singapore. Singaporeans receive tax breaks if their ageing parents live with or near them, fostering close family ties and enabling the sharing of wisdom and knowledge across generations.
Source: HDB | Kampung Admiralty
The Kampung Admiralty project, developed in 2018, is a testament to this. It houses an indoor park, performance centres, food courts, apartments, and a medical centre. Intentionally placing the elder care facility and preschool next to each other encourages interactions between different generations.
Embracing ‘Blue Zone’ Wisdom
In conclusion, Singapore’s recognition as a blue zone is a testament to its successful implementation of health-conscious policies and promotion of lifestyle habits conducive to longevity.
As we strive for longer, healthier lives, there is much to learn from Singapore’s longevity secrets. And while Buettner continues his search for the next “organic blue zone”, Singapore stands as a shining example of what he terms as a ‘Blue Zone 2.0’.
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