S’pore seniors share their secrets to living longer, healthier

While it’s often easier to eat healthily when cooking at home, Singapore has taken steps to ensure healthier options when dining out. 

For example, in hawker centres and food courts, the Healthier Choice Symbol – in the form of a red pyramid – points to dishes made with healthier ingredients or prepared with less salt, oil or sauces. 

For Madam Kamsinah, keeping her diet clean has become more important as she grows older. It’s a way for her to manage her diabetes and high blood pressure, besides being part of the national preventive health programme Healthier SG.

The programme encourages Singapore residents aged 40 and above to register with a family clinic or polyclinic to take personalised steps towards preventive care. It also supports those with chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension in managing their long-term health.

Madam Kamsinah checks in with her doctor at Bukit Batok Polyclinic every six months.

At a recent appointment, “my doctor was happy that my weight has gone down,” she shares. “My blood pressure and diabetes are also (under control).” 

Encouraged by the positive results, Madam Kamsinah is motivated to keep up her healthy eating habits.

“When I was younger, I never thought about sickness or death. But now, (I know) if I want to live longer, I must eat healthy.”