In this episode, Andrew Scott, Professor of Economics at London Business School, reframes concerns about ageing societies as opportunities for "longevity" or "evergreen" societies. His book, The Longevity Imperative, praised for its optimism and insight, explores how longer life spans can build healthier, more resilient communities.

Key Points:

The podcast explores the opportunities and challenges associated with increasing life expectancy, reframed by economist Andrew Scott as a "longevity society." He illustrates how perceiving extended lifespans as an opportunity rather than a burden can drive innovations in healthcare, economics, and social policy, creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

• From Ageing to Longevity Society: Andrew Scott critiques the negative framing of an ageing society, advocating for a mindset shift toward a "longevity society" that celebrates extended lifespans and focuses on healthier, more productive ageing.
• Healthspan vs. Lifespan: He emphasizes the gap between lifespan (years lived) and healthspan (years lived healthily), calling for innovations in healthcare and social structures to ensure ageing populations remain engaged and active.
• Economic Value of Longevity: Scott discusses the economic implications of improved ageing, noting that even modest advances in healthspan can generate trillions in value due to reduced healthcare costs and extended productivity.
• Historical Perspective: He draws parallels between past revolutions, like the Industrial Revolution, and today’s longevity revolution, suggesting that human ingenuity can create institutions and innovations to support longer lives.
• Behavioral and Social Adaptation: The longevity society requires cultural shifts, including better financial planning, lifelong learning, and adaptive social policies, to maintain purpose and productivity across extended lifetimes.
• Scientific Innovations and Challenges: While optimistic about biological advances like geroscience and treatments targeting ageing, Scott highlights the need for systemic changes in health policies to prioritize prevention and wellness.