Longevity Dividend

In a world of growing uncertainty, one trend stands out for its predictability and magnitude: the world is aging. For the first time, the number of people over 50 has surpassed that of children under 15. This turning point marks a profound demographic transformation, and every transformation brings opportunity.

Last year, people over 50 accounted for 50% of global consumption ( Global Longevity Economic Outlook ), 60% of global healthcare spending, and 52% of housing spending. They are not only more numerous, but also healthier. A recent IMF study indicated that a 70-year-old in 2022 had the same cognitive capacity as a 53-year-old in 2000 and physically resembled a 56-year-old from two decades ago. Yet, the public conversation about aging continues to be dominated by costs: pensions, healthcare, long-term care... These are valid concerns, but only part of the story.

Population aging must be transformed into an economic strategy

The best response to aging isn't to cut benefits, but to extend active lives. Staying active—whether working, volunteering, or caring—improves physical and mental health and reduces chronic diseases. But to make this possible, companies will have to design job opportunities for all life stages, and workers will have to reinvent themselves several times throughout their careers. This may also mean adjusting salary trajectories and accepting that income won't always increase throughout one's working life. Furthermore, preferences change with age, and companies must adapt products, services, and technology to the needs of those over 50.

Health systems also need to shift gears: moving from treating acute illnesses to managing chronic conditions with preventative and community-based care. And housing markets must face a new reality: with longer lives, older adults are staying home longer, reducing the supply of large homes for families and putting pressure on first-time buyers. At the same time, demand for age-adapted housing, assisted living, and intergenerational living solutions is growing.

Now, as we adapt our world to this new demographic majority, we cannot forget the younger generations, especially given the poor performance of Catalan students in the latest basic skills. In an era of longevity, investing in young people is more urgent than ever, for justice, for innovation, and to ensure future growth. Governments, businesses, and society must act now to design policies and strategies that unlock the longevity dividend: transforming this demographic certainty into an economic strategy, not only supporting the elderly, but building a future in which all generations can prosper.