Unlocking the Potential of Healthy Longevity in the 'Evergreen Economy'

Andrew J. Scott, economist and author, advocates for a paradigm shift from viewing aging as a societal burden to embracing a "longevity society" filled with opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that longer lives are not just prolonged but healthy, productive, and engaging. Scott argues that focusing on "healthy longevity" over "healthy aging" is crucial, as it encourages proactive measures at any age to maintain health and purpose.

By 2050, over 1.6 billion people will be over 65, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Scott sees this demographic shift as an "evergreen economy" opportunity, where industries can cater to older adults' needs across health, leisure, education, and finance. He stresses that businesses must adapt to an older workforce and create products and services that support healthy aging.

Scott also discusses the need for collaboration across sectors to drive impactful change in promoting healthy longevity. He believes societal attitudes toward aging need to evolve beyond chronological age, focusing instead on prospective age (expected years of life) and biological age (health status). Ultimately, he urges for a collective effort to support longer, healthier lives through innovation, investment, and social integration.

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Work Cited:

The ‘evergreen economy’: Harnessing the power of healthy longevity. (2024, July 3). McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/the-evergreen-economy-harnessing-the-power-of-healthy-longevity?stcr=063721CBB4774C4A832ABA0025208478&cid=other-eml-alt-mip-mck&hlkid=d9e903f656544c9b8802207e9fd68959&hctky=12610325&hdpid=0af9d264-9905-429a-85ad-c1a01fac5616

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-green-coat-standing-near-green-leaf-tree-3781938/

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