The longevity revolution has arrived and the 100 year life is here. But what are the challenges and how do we meet them? An article from the World Economic Forum poses this question as part of The Davos Agenda. The first thing is to dismiss discussions about an ageing crisis – there are opportunities to be realised.
According to research, a child born in 2000 can expect to see their 100th birthday. The implications carry across the whole of society, business, and government.
The Stanford Center on Longevity has launched “The New Map of Life” initiative. New models of education, work, policies for healthcare, housing, and the environment are on the agenda. And researchers aim to redefine what it means to be “old”.
The Stanford report says we are not ready, but we can meet the challenges. Here are their principles:
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- Age diversity is a net positive
- Invest in future centenarians to deliver big returns
- Align health spans to life spans
- Prepare to be amazed by the future of ageing
- Work more years with more flexibility
- Learn throughout life
- Build longevity-ready communities
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Longevity is about babies not old people
“The impact on the global workforce is profound but also not yet realized. Before, we would have three or four generations in the workforce. Now, we have five and even six generations in the workforce. While stereotypes of all generations abound, many aren’t true. A growing body of research indicates that multigenerational workforces are more productive, see lower rates of employee turnover, have higher levels of employee satisfaction, and feel better about their employer.” (from the New Map of Life).
The Design Council also addresses the issues from a built environment perspective. See the post The 100 year life.