After Covid-19: Nearly 9 in 10 people in Singapore have reassessed their lives, and many say they’re more resilient & open to change

SINGAPORE: A new report shows that almost 9 out of 10, or 88 per cent of people in Singapore, said that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused them to reevaluate their lives. In comparison, the global average is 79 per cent.

Moreover, younger generations have tended to do so—specifically for those aged 45 and below, says the report from Cigna Healthcare Singapore, published earlier this month.

A positive observation from the report is that resilience and openness to change appear to be on the increase, with 42 per cent of respondents saying they feel that they’re more prepared to embrace change after the pandemic and 36 per cent saying they’ve become more resilient.

Cigna Healthcare’s 360 Global Well-Being Survey: Singapore Insights Report, which talked to 1,100 participants, shows that the “Singaporean Dream” of 5Cs—car, cash, condominium, credit card, and country club membership—may no longer be the only main priorities of people.

Among the respondents who say they’ve reevaluated their lives, over half (52 per cent) said they want to spend more time with family and friends, a preference shared by respondents around the globe.

More Singaporeans also appear to prioritize physical and emotional health now, with nearly one-third (31 per cent) of respondents saying they would consider more natural approaches to diet and health, and a full quarter saying they’re learning to “be okay” with how they feel.

Careers are also undergoing a reevaluation, with 23 per cent saying they would like a new and more fulfilling job and 21 per cent expressing a desire for early retirement.

The demographics vary somewhat, as more of the respondents in Singapore from ages 25 to 34 prioritize finding a fulfilling job, and respondents aged 45 to 65 look to early retirement.

“Our research shows that the people of Singapore have become more resilient and adaptable to change after the pandemic. At the same time, our priorities and aspirations have evolved, with many now valuing family and emotional well-being more, which we see as a silver lining from the crisis,” says Raymond Ng, the CEO & Country Manager of Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia. /TISG

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