As seniors, it is advisable to go for regular health screenings, preferably on an annual basis.
This will ensure that we keep track of our overall well-being, and allows for early detection of age-related health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Health screenings, however, are not exactly cheap.
A general health screening can cost between $100 to $1,000, depending on the number of tests it includes. The most basic will involve blood and urine tests, while additional tests often include physical examination, stool analysis or thyroid screen, to name a few.
Meanwhile, a specific* health screening test — which checks for specific diseases based on personal risk factors — may include X-rays that can range from $50 to more than $200 or CT scans which may cost between $300 and $2,000.
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(*Subsidised screening tests are available under the national health screen programme, Screen for Life, but these are for specific diseases and eligibility depends on age, sex, pre-existing conditions and your last health screening date.)
Of course, one should not skimp on health matters but if we could save a few hundred bucks on a health screening, why not?
Signing up for medical or health research studies is a good way to not only get a free health screening but also possibly some reimbursement for your time! Best of all, you are also advancing medical research to help others.
Health screening in the name of research
In Singapore, medical or health studies (aka clinical trials) are research studies conducted by reputable medical and health institutions such as Nanyang Technological University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) and National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH).
These studies collect comprehensive data from participants covering a wide range of research, from exploring ways of detecting a disease or ailment early, to understanding the Singapore population’s general health needs to improve the quality of life for everyone.
With Singapore being a rapidly ageing nation — it is estimated that by 2030, 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be aged 65 or above — many recent medical and health studies focus on the silver population and are actively looking for seniors (both Singaporeans and PRs) to participate in them.
In most cases, these studies offer participants full health screenings including physical examination (BMI, blood pressure, vision), blood and urine tests, and occasionally — depending on the study — specific body X-rays or CT scans.
And the best part is that they are all free!
The retired 58-year-old participated in a Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) study conducted by LKCMedicine, as well as a study by Dementia Research Centre Singapore.
According to both women, the only downside of participating in such studies is that it may take many hours or more than half a day to complete the study.
Medical & Health Studies: Benefits For Seniors
What I find beneficial about these medical or health studies — especially those that specifically request for seniors — is that they often offer tests that are useful to me as a senior and which I may not get in the annual health screenings that I purchase from a private general practitioner.
For instance, my first ever medical health study participation was in 2016 for the Singapore Population Health Studies – Community Health@Queenstown.
Conducted by SSHSPH, its aim was to find out how family and medical history, diet and lifestyle affect medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Not only was I compensated for my transport and lunch, the full-day study consisted of a full health screening including hearing and vision tests, hand grip strength, as well as blood pressure measurement on arm and leg, which are essential checks for seniors.
And participating in HELIOS last year, beside memory and thinking tests, bone density and body composition (DXA) scans were also done for spine and hips to check for possible onset of osteoporosis, an ailment strongly linked to ageing. Such scans can be quite costly if done on my own.
For me, medical or health studies are usually recommended by friends who have participated in them.
Other times, I am informed by the Active Ageing Centre at Queenstown that I volunteer with. This would include health-related research surveys such as the 2023 NUS Health App Test Experiment (for which I received a $30 voucher) and the 2024 Baseline Study for Health District @ Queenstown ($120 token of appreciation). These projects do not include any health screening but were both done conveniently at home.
And although only results or findings of the health screening will be given to you, if there are any worrying signs or illness indicated, you will be alerted and advised to go for proper check-ups with a private clinic, polyclinic or hospital.
So if you fit a medical or health study’s requirements and can spare the time, why not give it a try?
Not only will you get a free up-to-date report of your health status, you will be doing your part in helping key medical and health institutions to improve quality of life for fellow Singaporeans and PRs.
Some ongoing research studies in Singapore
Here are a few ongoing medical and health studies for your consideration.
(Note: Most of the time, after signing up, you will be first assessed for eligibility.)
- Health for Life in Singapore Study (HELIOS)
This is a population cohort study established and led by LKCMedicine, in partnership with National Healthcare Group and Imperial College London.
It aims to identify environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases in Singapore, as well as understand the health behaviours and lifestyles of Singapore residents.
The study includes blood and urine tests, eye assessment, an electrocardiogram (to assess heart activity), ultrasound scan on neck, and questionnaires on health, lifestyle and medications.
Age requirement: 30-84 years old
Time required: At least 4 hours
Provision: Free health report and advice plus $50 token of appreciation
To register: https://healthforlife.sg/
- The Biomarkers and Cognition Study, Singapore (BIOCIS)
Established and led by the Dementia Research Centre Singapore, this is a prospective cohort study that aims to study biological mechanisms in Asians that result in cognitive disorders, to identify biomarkers for dementia and develop strategies to prevent or delay its onset.
Participants undergo annual assessments that include cognitive tests, blood samples, brain imaging, lifestyle profiling, retinal scans and microbiome analysis over a 5-year duration.
Age requirement: At least 30 years old
Time required: 2 half-days (4 hours each session), 5 years duration
Provision: Brief report of cognitive, neuroimaging and essential blood tests; token of participation for completing each visit
To register: https://www.drcs.sg/
- Project RESET
A nationwide preventive heart health study led by NUS Medicine, it aims to gain a deeper understanding about Singapore population’s metabolism, heart and liver health as well as lifestyle behaviour to prevent heart diseases including heart attack and stroke.
To participate, you must have any of the following:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Fatty liver
- Family history of heart diseases or stroke
- Obesity
(You would not be eligible if you have a prior history of heart attack, stroke, balloon angioplasty or stent placement.)
Participants will complete a questionnaire on lifestyle behaviours – physical activity, diet, stress and sleep; receive a smartwatch to track physical activity, stress and sleep; and undergo scans and blood tests.
Age requirement: 40-70 years old
Time required: 2-4 hours
Provision: A smartwatch; free scans and blood tests up to five visits per year (results returned upon request); and reimbursement
To register: https://www.project-reset.sg/
- NUS Mental Well-being Study
This study does not have any health screening per se but if you complete all their surveys, you will be reimbursed with up to $100.
Conducted by SSHSPH, this mental well-being study aims to understand how daily experiences impact the mental well-being of older adults in Singapore.
All you are expected to do is complete short surveys on a mobile app over 14 consecutive days all done via your smartphone. Each survey takes only a few minutes.
Criteria:
- Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents residing in Singapore
- of Chinese, Malay or Indian ethnicity
- able to read English
- have NEVER been diagnosed with any mental health conditions
- own a working smartphone with a mobile data plan
-
willing to download and complete daily surveys on the RealLife Exp app
(Participants who are already using the app can still participate in this study) - attend a baseline assessment interview to confirm your eligibility
Age requirement: 65 and above
Time required: 14 consecutive days, plus one assessment interview
Provision: Up to $100 (once all surveys are completed)
To register: Call 84770727, or e-mail l.xuan@nus.edu.sg for more details
If you are interested in participating in clinical trials or other research studies, you can visit websites of key medical and health institutions such as National University Health System (NUHS) or National Healthcare Group (NHG) and look under “Participation Opportunities” or “Clinical Trials” for more information.
Note: details are correct as of April 2025.
