Future Proofing the Longevity Economy 2025
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Building towards a more
inclusive and financially
resilient future
The solutions outlined in this paper provide a
blueprint for how societies can embrace the
longevity economy. The transition from a linear
to a varied multistage life approach will not only
help improve quality of life and financial security
for individuals but also harness the potential of an
increasingly older workforce to fuel innovation and
economic growth. The following sections explore achievable strategies
and best practices, offering a vision for the future in
which financial pathways are designed to support
individuals at every stage of their life – helping to
ensure not just financial resilience but also fulfilling
careers and meaningful participation in society
throughout a person’s lifespan. In many ways, the
“future” is already here, as there exists a myriad of
innovative solutions that are ready to spread, scale
and adapt to different national and sectoral contexts.
The goal of this work is to develop a world in which
purposeful contribution, meaningful connection and
financial resilience are integrated throughout all life
stages, creating new opportunities for engagement,
economic growth and collective well-being. There exists
a myriad of
innovative solutions
that are ready to
spread, scale and
adapt to different
national and
sectoral contexts.
Ensure financial resilience through important life events
Nearly 40% of people globally face financial instability after unplanned career interruptions, including
breaks in their careers, illness or unexpected retirement.11 Public–private collaboration is crucial to support
individuals navigating these challenges.
Provide universal access to impartial financial education
Only 33% of the global population is deemed financially literate,12 contributing to wealth inequalities
that are in turn strongly correlated with life expectancy inequalities. Comprehensive, impartial financial
education enables individuals to make informed financial decisions.
Prioritize healthy ageing as foundational for the longevity economy
Around one-fifth of life is expected to be lived with illness,13 with 80% of adults in developing countries
concerned about the cost of medical expenses. Equitable access to health services can facilitate well-
being for both the individual and broader society.14
Evolve jobs and lifelong skill-building for a multigenerational workforce
Globally, up to 25% of individuals aged 55 and older wish to work in old age but face barriers in finding
opportunities.15 Demographic shifts and technology innovations require jobs and skill-building to adapt
and evolve, enabling individuals to extend their working years as desired.
Design systems and environments for social connection and purpose
Social connection is integral to healthy longevity. Socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of poor health
and earlier death. Designing systems and environments for social connection can mitigate these impacts.
Address longevity inequalities, including across gender, race and class
The benefits of longevity are not distributed equitably. Promoting pay and pension equity, as well as
support for informal carers, are some of the crucial steps that could deliver necessary change in this area.Summary of the six principles of the longevity economy TABLE 1
Future-Proofing the Longevity Economy: Innovations and Key Trends 77
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