Public views towards lifespan, healthspan, and Healthy Longevity Medicine in Singapore: a qualitative study from the HEalthy LOngevity (HELO) initiatives.

Background: Healthy Longevity Medicine (HLM) offers a strategy to reduce the healthspan-lifespan gap, yet public perspectives remain unclear. This study refines the HEalthy LOngevity (HELO) framework through a qualitative exploration of public views towards lifespan, healthspan, and HLM.

Methods: Individuals living in Singapore participated in semi-structured group or individual discussions to explore (a) their understanding of lifespan and healthspan, (b) motivational factors for health behaviours, and (c) their awareness of HLM. Sampling maximised variation across age, sex, and ethnicity. Data obtained through 13 discussions were analysed with a mixed, inductive-deductive approach employing the HELO framework.

Results: Thirty-six participants (mean age= 49.4 years, SD=15.9, 19 males, 15 ethnic Chinese) were generally familiar with the definitions of lifespan and healthspan, emphasising the importance of quality of life. Health was defined comprehensively, and autonomy over behaviours was highly valued during ageing and in adopting health behaviours. Community resources and government health initiatives were deemed useful, recognising the potential to enhance social, mental, and physical health. Singapore's busy, achievement-oriented culture was identified as a barrier to healthy behaviours. Participants expressed enthusiasm for HLM's potential to extend healthspan yet voiced concerns about lifestyle changes and potentially losing autonomy.

Conclusion: Personal values and priorities were central to motivations towards healthy longevity. HLM should assess and align diagnostic and treatment plans with individual preferences to support sustainable health behaviours. The Singapore public's alignment with government policies presents an opportunity to promote HLM adoption.