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The Longevity Imperative
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The Longevity Imperative

Building a Better Society for Healthier, Longer Lives

Andrew Scott
Basic Books, 2024
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Eye Opening
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Global life expectancy is on the rise. While living longer might sound like a gift, to make the most of that time, you must maximize your “healthspan.” Economics professor and longevity researcher Andrew J. Scott urges businesses, policymakers, and health care providers to take steps to ensure older people enjoy a better quality of life, as doing so benefits society as a whole. In his deep dive into the intersection between public health and economies, Scott calls for a mindset shift about what it means to age, how societies define good health, and the roles older people play in modern life.

Summary

As global life expectancy rises, humanity must take steps to improve long-term quality of life. 

With global life expectancy on the rise, the majority of people alive today should plan to live into their 80s, 90s, or even 100s.Centenarians comprise the most rapidly growing demographic worldwide. In the United States, an infant has a more than 50% chance of living past 95. Increased longevity isn’t limited to rich countries. In the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy rose in 202 out of 210 countries.Though the pandemic negatively affected these gains temporarily, following widespread public vaccination campaigns, life expectancy figures returned to pre-pandemic levels in most countries. 

These demographic shifts mean nations must face the realities of supporting the needs of larger aging populations. It’s time to embrace a global “longevity imperative”: Humanity must not only prepare to live longer lives than ever before but also prioritize increasing the quality of life in old age. This challenge includes addressing disparities regarding...

About the Author

Andrew J. Scott is an economics professor at London Business School and the co-founder of The Longevity Forum. He’s also the best-selling author of The 100-Year Life.

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