Future Proofing the Longevity Economy 2025

Notes: The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide community of more than 11,000 young change-makers from more than 150 countries, working together on local projects to help their communities thrive. The Global Shapers Longevity Economy Taskforce is comprised of 25 active Global Shapers and alumni. In addition to the 10 individuals listed here, the taskforce includes Sampson Kofi Adotey, Chiugo Aghaji, Diogo Alves, Yuliia Demchyk, Penelope Gregoriou, Limtiya Izzath, Yujing (Carol) Jin, Immaculata King, Mohammed Mishal, Brad Olsen, Pranidhi Sawhney, Samiya Sheikh, David- Alexandru Timis, Krystle Reid Wijesuriya, Moreblessing Wine. Viewpoints shared here are their own. Mahad Zafar, United Arab Emirates The longevity economy stands at the crossroads of immense opportunity and urgency. Ensuring longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives requires a fundamental reengineering of markets and systems from a first-principles perspective – one that prioritizes advancing healthspans and wealthspans over merely extending lifespans. This shift reframes ageing from a “liability model” to an “asset model of longevity”. MENA presents a unique dynamic – while the region remains demographically young, it must proactively shape a future where extended lifespans redefine economic and social structures. The UAE, with its visionary leadership, is making significant strides towards cultivating a longevity society, embedding longevity across sectors to strengthen societal cohesion and long-term resilience. Aishwarya Srinivasan, India Gender equity must be a key component for the longevity economy. With 42.1% of its workforce between the ages of 15 and 29,80 India has the youngest and largest workforce in the world. As of 2022–2023, the percentage of women in India’s labour force is 25.4% in urban areas and 41.5% in rural areas.81 By 2050, as one of the largest ageing populations, creating implementable strategies to financially secure our women with a bottom-up approach will ensure a financially inclusive and resilient ageing population for the country. Ayano Sasaki, Japan Young people in ageing societies face a tough dilemma: they are seen as society’s hope yet feel anxious about the future. They also harbour deep doubts about a society that delays addressing critical issues. In Japan, the impacts of ageing are evident everywhere, from labour shortages to working-age individuals juggling jobs and caregiving. Remarkably, even people in their 40s are still considered “young”. Meanwhile, ageing social leaders often propose policies for future generations that feel superficial. To tackle this pressing situation, where the burden is unfairly shifted to the young, serious intergenerational dialogue is urgently needed. Roxana Chiritoiu, Romania By 2050, the interplay between climate change and longevity will shape both human well-being and economic development. Climate change directly impacts health and longevity through rising temperatures, extreme weather events and the spread of infectious diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older people. Conversely, the longevity economy presents an opportunity to drive sustainable development. With older consumers becoming the fastest-growing economic force, pension funds and their $28 trillion in assets can finance green growth, ensuring a healthier planet and population. David Nwachukwu, Nigeria The success of a longevity economy in the Nigerian and West African context largely depends on the steps we take to address existing policy gaps and cultural norms. Nigeria faces a critical challenge, with over 80 million youth and 53.40% unemployed. Our underfunded public health framework and a misery index of 38% highlight systemic issues. By 2050, this demographic will approach middle age, but without health, employment or satisfaction, a thriving longevity economy is unattainable. However, opportunities abound. Leveraging Nigeria’s culture of community and advancing inclusive policies could drive innovation, open the informal economy and create systems that sustain employment and purpose across generations.Adam Skali, Spain By 2050, longevity will be one of humanity’s defining economic challenges and opportunities. As Europe’s widely accessible healthcare systems – and soon other regions’ – encounter sustainability pressures from ageing populations and chronic diseases, we must shift from reactive treatments to integrated, preventive care models informed by social determinants of health. Digitalization and policies that align economic incentives with healthier choices can reduce long-term costs and foster longer, more fulfilling lives. Transforming fragmented care into patient-centred, interconnected systems will preserve economic stability and improve population health. The longevity economy isn’t just about managing ageing – it’s about reshaping how societies invest in human potential, making health an essential driver of prosperity. Future-Proofing the Longevity Economy: Innovations and Key Trends 38