The Longevity Imperative

Outline

The Longevity Imperative (2024) argues that because people are living longer than ever, societies must focus not just on adding years to life but on making those years healthy and productive. Andrew J. Scott explains how governments, businesses, and individuals can prepare for longer lives through better health, lifelong learning, flexible careers, and smarter financial planning, turning ageing into an opportunity rather than a burden.

• People are living longer than ever, so societies need to rethink how work, learning and ageing are organised.
• The goal is not only adding years to life but making those years healthy and productive.
• Governments, businesses and individuals each have a part to play in preparing for longer lives.
• Better health, lifelong learning, flexible careers and smarter financial planning are the main ways to prepare.
• Ageing can become an opportunity rather than a burden if societies plan for it.

Andrew J. Scott is a British economist and professor at London Business School who studies the economics of longevity and ageing. He co-founded The Longevity Forum and has advised governments and organisations on how to prepare for longer lives. His books include The 100-Year Life and The New Long Life, both written with Lynda Gratton, and The Longevity Imperative.