The motivation to grow our wealth to prepare for the future is deeply engrained in many Singaporeans, yet does this same tenacity extend to preserving our health for our golden years? After all, what is wealth without good health? This question was explored in a recent May 2024 poll commissioned by Prudential Singapore. One thousand Singapore residents, aged 20 to 65, were surveyed about how much they value financial success versus staying healthy.
Surprisingly, when asked to choose between the two, less than one in five Singaporeans said they prioritise wealth over good health. Among those who do, 64% believe that money solves most problems, including health issues, and 58% say it provides financial security for them and their loved ones.
On the flip side, the majority, or more than four in five respondents, see good health as more important than wealth (85%). Among this group, 61% view well-being as the foundation for pursuing other life goals. They also recognise that, unlike wealth, health is tougher to improve once it worsens (61%).
Good health considered more easily within reach than wealth
Close to two-thirds of the Singaporeans surveyed also said that achieving good health is easier than wealth (63%). They view health as more controllable through personal actions like diet and exercise, while wealth depends on external factors such as the economy and job market (76%).
Meanwhile, those who think achieving wealth is easier are tempted by the promise of quick returns (53%) and the belief that it takes less effort (51%).
Jeff Ang, CEO of Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore, said, “We want to raise awareness that it is just as important to have a lifelong fitness plan as it is to have a long-term financial plan. Our ability to fund our retirement and future medical needs are very much tied to the actions we take today to achieve health and financial stability. It takes effort but it’s worth it in the long run. Start planning early, engage professional advice for your medical coverage and financial needs, and spend time on self-care. That way, you can enjoy a fulfilling life with good health and sufficient funds to smell the roses.”
Although it is good news that most respondents see good health as a more attainable goal than wealth, Professor Teo Yik Ying, Dean of Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, offers a different perspective.
“Singaporeans know that health matters, but the real test is whether this awareness leads to tangible changes in their attitudes and actions towards health. Some people, who think it is easy to stay healthy, might put off important steps for their well-being to focus on building wealth, which they find more challenging. But the truth is, staying healthy is a lifelong commitment that involves making consistent, healthy choices,” said Professor Teo.
Can we achieve the best of both worlds?
Most Singaporeans can agree it is not a binary choice between health and wealth. Some 77% of respondents believe they can achieve both if they have a structured plan in place (61%), and that success in one area will lead to victory in the other (56%).
Beyond their efforts, the respondents recognised the importance of support from key stakeholders to help them achieve the best of both worlds.
- Employers: 72% seek flexible working hours and 60% desire a flexible staff benefits package to better manage their wealth and health
- Government: 60% hope the government can implement policies to encourage a balance between work and health in the workplace
- Insurance providers: 53% appreciate financial incentives for achieving healthy habits, as well as flexible health coverage options
Commenting on how bosses and businesses can benefit from focusing on their employees’ well-being, Professor Teo said, “Employers play a big role in supporting employees’ holistic well-being, whether it is physical, mental or financial health. We’ve moved beyond the productivity conversation to creating workplaces where people feel empowered to take charge of their well-being. Having flexible working arrangements and benefits packages are essential to building a healthier and sustainable workforce.”
Prudential Singapore provides flexible working arrangements to enhance employee well-being. Its flexi-time approach recommends employees spend one day in the office collaborating with their team and another day in the office for meetings, while other days can be spent working from home. Additionally, the PRUAnywhere programme gives employees the option of access to alternative bookable workspaces across Singapore.
Ang added, “A collaborative approach between all stakeholders in society to help people achieve a more well-balanced life will pave the way for a wealthier, healthier and hopefully, happier, Singapore.”
