Singaporeans’ top social concerns: mental health, vulnerable groups

Healthy and environment-friendly habits emerge amid growing worries.

The majority of Singaporeans consider mental health, well-being and those in the low-income and vulnerable groups as today’s most pressing societal concerns, according to a survey by Milieu Insight.

Mental health (67%) was the biggest social issue for the 1,028 respondents, with 77% of those aged 16-24 seeking to improve their comprehension of the issue and 64% of all respondents making efforts to understand the mental well-being of their loved ones and themselves.

The second most prominent concern was for low-income and vulnerable groups, according to two-thirds (65%) of the respondents. This evoked empathy among Singaporeans, with one in four respondents making donations and one in five having volunteered for a cause.

Health and disease (64%) ranked third in a post Covid-19 world, with those aged 55 and over marking this as their biggest concern. 

In response, nearly three-fifths in the city-state said they have been adopting healthier habits while close to half put more focus on getting better sleep to improve health.

Sustainable living was also among the top concerns, causing nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents to turn to more environmentally friendly habits in the past year. For those 55 and older, about 76% actively embraced sustainable practices.

Reducing waste and recycling were the leading actions towards sustainability.

“From prioritising mental health to fostering community support and embracing environmental responsibility, Singaporeans are united in recognising the imperative for collective action that transcends generational differences,” the report read. “Their proactive engagement in tackling these pressing issues not only underscores a shared commitment but also ignites hope for a future characterised by inclusivity and progress.