Singapore Management University (SMU) has introduced the SMU Longevity Societies and Economies Institute (LSEI), a new initiative dedicated to exploring how economies and communities can adapt and remain resilient in the face of an ageing population.

The institute was officially launched on 14 April by Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, during the World Ageing Festival 2026. The event was organised by Ageing Asia, with SMU serving as co-host and academic partner.

Singapore has already entered the stage of a super-aged society, with projections indicating that by 2030, one in four citizens will be aged 65 or older. Across Asia, longer life expectancy combined with declining birth rates is transforming workforce dynamics, healthcare needs, retirement systems and community support structures. LSEI aims to study these developments in depth and generate data-driven insights to support sustainable and inclusive policy responses through a comprehensive systems approach.

From research to real-world application
LSEI builds on SMU’s existing strengths in ageing research, including the Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) and the Singapore Life Panel, a globally recognised high-frequency panel survey tracking financial and well-being trends.

By bringing these efforts under a unified platform, the institute aims to convert academic research into practical solutions for policymakers, businesses, financial institutions and community groups. SMU has committed over S$10 million in funding to support LSEI’s development, while also seeking external funding aligned with national priorities such as the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 Plan.

Drawing expertise from disciplines including economics, business, law, social sciences, accountancy and computing, LSEI will focus on the broader societal and economic implications of increased longevity.

SMU President Lily Kong highlighted that traditional life models are no longer relevant. She noted that systems built around a linear “education–work–retirement” pathway fail to reflect modern realities, where people are living longer, more active lives. The institute aims to bridge this gap between outdated structures and contemporary lived experiences.

Unlocking the potential of the silver economy
The institute is jointly led by Dr Cheong Wei Yang and Paulin Straughan, who also heads ROSA. Dr Cheong emphasised that while ageing presents economic challenges, it also creates significant opportunities within the growing “silver economy.”

Rather than viewing ageing solely as a cost burden—particularly in healthcare—LSEI promotes a broader perspective that sees it as a driver of innovation and growth. The institute will work with partners to translate research into solutions that support inclusive and resilient economies across Singapore and other Asian cities.

Its research goes beyond healthcare, examining productivity, purposeful engagement, market dynamics and overall well-being—including mental, social and financial aspects.

Two core research pillars
LSEI’s work is structured around two key areas:

Supporting these pillars are studies on legal, regulatory and technological factors, including the adoption of digital and assistive technologies.

Insights into retirement and social connection
One example of SMU’s research highlights how retirement affects social relationships and sense of purpose. A study by Professor Straughan and her team, based on data from over 10,000 individuals aged 50 to 80, found that while social activity often increases after retirement, men tend to experience a sharper decline in perceived meaning and contribution compared to women.

The findings suggest gaps in existing policies and community support systems, particularly in helping retirees—especially men—navigate identity and purpose in later life.

Strengthening collaboration across sectors
LSEI has already formed partnerships with key stakeholders across government, community and industry. These include the Agency for Integrated Care, Lions Befrienders, St Luke's ElderCare, Singlife and Workforce Singapore.

Through these collaborations, the institute aims to strengthen the connection between research, policy implementation and real-world outcomes—supporting better ageing experiences and more adaptive economic systems.

In the United States, 350,000 people die from heart attacks every year, with less than 50% performing life-saving CPR. Thanks to partnerships with the American Heart Association and the Duke Energy Foundation, thousands of new recipients in Pasco and Citrus counties will now be ready to respond with CPR and first aid kits as and when they need them.

As students and staff head back to school, the American Heart Association is helping schools in Florida's Duke Energy service area with a $50,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to provide ninth- and 11th-graders with the cardiovascular exercises they need; they are also providing them with first aid and CPR training beginning from the sixth grade.

"We know that 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home," said Amanda Palumbo, director of the American Heart Association in Tampa Bay. “Manual CPR alone can double or even triple a person's life expectancy. By learning this life for students, we are safe for everyone.”

American Heart Association and Duke Energy Foundation want to know how students, teachers and staff can help emergency situations. The school children have been taught CPR and primary health care techniques.

The support of the Duke Energy Foundation and the American Heart Association guarantees the support the first class emergency aid planning for reducing heart attack death in the school environment.

“Safety is at the forefront of all we do in Duke Energy. We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association to provide additional CPR kits to middle schools and high schools in our service area. Together, we will equip faculty, students and staff with the skills and resources to save lives and keep communities safe,” said Melissa Seixas, chairman of Energy Energy Florida.

The following schools will receive CPR kits from Duke Energy Foundation grants for the 2022-2023 school year: