Small Nudges, Big Impact: Innovative Approaches to Health Promotion in Singapore

Abstract

Should people need to be nudged to make healthier lifestyle choices? Critics of the nudge theory believe that using behavioral sciences to influence people's decisions is paternalistic and unnecessary. But on the other hand, we know that people do not always make the most rational choices for themselves, and this comes at a growing burden to society. How can we strike a balance? In this talk, we will look at the health promotion landscape in Singapore, with growing challenges such as obesity and diabetes - set against the backdrop of a workforce that is sometimes too busy to take care of their health, and an ageing population that requires more support. We will examine how the Health Promotion Board of Singapore has taken steps to address the gap between "knowing" and "doing" by shifting its focus from health education to behavior change. Various examples of this approach will be touched on, such as the introduction of innovative health programs, campaigns, partnerships and use of persuasive technology to make it increasingly easier for Singaporeans form and sustain healthier habits. Finally, we will get a glimpse of what living healthily in Singapore may be like in the year 2020.