For youths, the pursuit of healthy longevity starts with cultivating a mindset where preventive healthcare and the quest for longevity are seen as an investment in their own lives.

While there is no need for unnecessary health screenings, tests and medication for young children, parents can instil healthy living habits in them from a young age, so that they become second nature and intuitive by the time they are adults. Parents can be role models for correct nutrition, healthy dietary habits and adequate physical activity. To subtly integrate such habits into a child's lifestyle, parents could encourage children to do morning stretches or go for a walk with them after meals, for instance.

For the middle-aged or those with hereditary risks, the focus turns to regular health screenings and early detection. Dr Wang emphasises that many diseases are treatable and can be prevented from becoming chronic illnesses if detected early.

She encourages regular screening, likening screenings to long-term investments and saving for a rainy day. "It is also an investment in ourselves. The logic is similar to when you started saving your allowance as a child," she adds.

For seniors,the pursuit of healthy longevity involves early intervention. For example, as falls are a major concern for seniors, Dr Wang would advise them to try doing balancing exercises and take walks while they are still healthy, and to monitor their blood pressure diligently to prevent fluctuations that could lead to falls. She thinks that in many cases, falls among the elderly can be prevented given the necessary intervention.

She thinks that longevity is not only about genetics or medical interventions but is also heavily influenced by habits and the environment, especially emotions and mindset.

Modern people seem to be taking too many pills; is it necessary to consume even more supplements and preventive drugs for the sake of longevity?

Compared to taking various medications and supplements, Dr Wang thinks that longevity has more to do with precision prevention. Today, there are many international conferences related to this field. Scientists, tech industry professionals, and healthcare providers are coming together to develop AI-driven predictive models and new biomarkers to implement various precise preventive measures.

In Singapore, research is being conducted on drug repurposing. For instance, diabetic drugs are being evaluated for their effectiveness in improving ageing biomarkers. Other anti-ageing research includes health wearables and exploring AI-driven personalised health monitoring and intervention systems.

Globally, numerous studies are being conducted on nutraceuticals, identifying novel compounds affecting ageing pathways, researching senolytic therapies and exploring epigenetic reprogramming.

CRISPR technology for gene editing could also combat cellular ageing. However, the first approved therapy for sickle cell is still in the nascent stages, and the procedure itself — and its high costs — are significant deterrents.

In Singapore, where the average lifespan is 84 years, many Singaporeans unfortunately spend their final decade of life grappling with chronic diseases, limited mobility or cognitive decline. While living to 120 may be unrealistic for most people, Dr Wang suggests that more and more Singaporeans who are ten years old today might be able to live till 100.

She adds that this is because of "better healthcare, diets and lifestyles… nonetheless, the more critical question is: how many of those years will be healthy, active and fulfilling? Our goal is not just to add years to life but to add life to years".

Dr Wang believes that the key to maximising both lifespan and healthspan lies in early intervention.

"We are not just aiming for longevity. We are aiming for what we call 'compressed morbidity', where the period of illness or disability at the end of life is shortened, and active, healthy years are extended," she adds.

Based on global research, there are five areas, known as Blue Zones, that have the highest numbers of centenarians and the lowest incidence of chronic diseases. They are Sardinia in Italy, Loma Linda in the US, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Icaria in Greece and Okinawa in Japan.

In Dr Wang’s view, people in Blue Zones enjoy longevity without advanced technologies or interventions. She thus believes that early disease prevention will significantly reduce downstream treatment costs. This is the longevity philosophy that she and her team advocate.

The Healthy Longevity Research Clinic at Alexandra Hospital is open to anyone over the age of 35 without chronic illnesses, or those aged 35 to 70 with stable chronic conditions, to participate as "research project participants".

The clinic collects comprehensive health histories from participants, delving into factors including sleep patterns, health data, dietary habits and family genetic history, to identify their risk factors. The Clinic also conducts physical examinations that assess things like strength, hand grip strength, flexibility and even stool microbiome.

After the assessments, an integrated team comprising doctors, scientists, health coaches, nutritionists and exercise health specialists will offer suggestions to research participants to optimise their health in various domains such as exercise and nutrition. Follow-up reviews for re-evaluation are scheduled in six to 12 months.

The clinic's team proposes intervention plans starting from lifestyle adjustments to achieve the goal of extending healthy lifespans.