Brazil’s Bolsa Família programme, initiated in 2003, serves as a compelling example of how targeted social policies can promote financial resilience and support individuals through various life stages. By providing conditional cash transfers to low-income families, the programme not only addresses immediate financial needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term socioeconomic mobility. –Eligible families receive monthly financial aid contingent upon their children’s regular school attendance and compliance with health check-ups. This approach ensures that immediate financial assistance is coupled with investments in employees. –The programme has been instrumental in reducing extreme poverty in Brazil. Notably, a 2023 study found that 64% of children and teenagers (aged 7–16) who were enrolled in Bolsa Família in 2005 had exited the programme by 2019, with half of them securing formal employment. This indicates a significant movement towards economic self-sufficiency and the breaking of intergenerational poverty cycles.87 –By directing financial resources primarily towards women, Bolsa Família enhances women’s economic autonomy and decision-making power within households, contributing to broader social empowerment. Bolsa Família exemplifies how well-structured social programmes can create pathways for individuals to navigate the complexities of a multistage life, promoting financial stability, educational attainment and long-term economic resilience.5.3 Spotlights on innovation Denmark’s Flexicurity system combines labour-market flexibility with social security, designed to support individuals through various life stages, including transitions between education, work, care responsibilities and retirement. As of January 2025, the unemployment rate in Denmark stands at approximately 2.9%,85 a relatively low rate that reflects in part the effectiveness of this flexibility in creating job opportunities. –The Danish welfare system offers robust unemployment benefits, healthcare and pensions. Unemployment benefits can last up to two years, with maximum payouts dependent on prior earnings. This safety net is essential for individuals in job transitions, ensuring financial stability during unemployment. –The Danish government invests significantly in education and training, with more than 20% of the workforce participating in adult education programmes in 2023.86 This system promotes continuous skills development through funding for various training and reskilling initiatives, helping workers adapt to evolving job-market demands. –Denmark provides generous parental leave policies, allowing up to 52 weeks of leave for parents, with benefits covering a substantial portion of their salary. This support alleviates the financial impact of a caring role, enabling individuals to balance work and family responsibilities effectively. The Flexicurity model integrates various services, including job placement, training and financial advice, into a cohesive system. The Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment provides comprehensive support to job seekers, including access to career counselling and training programmes, facilitating smoother transitions between jobs and careers.Denmark’s Flexicurity system – combining flexibility with financial security Brazil’s Bolsa Família – a model for financial inclusion and resilience Future-Proofing the Longevity Economy: Innovations and Key Trends 42

Future Proofing the Longevity Economy 2025