Longevity is transforming European societies. Yet population ageing is still too often framed as an economic and social threat. This publication argues for a different approach: ageing is a predictable demographic shift that can be anticipated, planned for, and managed successfully.
Drawing on evidence from the Age-It research programme, one of Europe's largest interdisciplinary initiatives on ageing and longevity, the publication sets out a practical framework for moving beyond demographic alarmism towards demographic adaptation.
21 Policy Checks for Longevity Societies
The report translates research findings into 21 concrete policy recommendations across five domains: narratives and perceptions of ageing, health and wellbeing, care systems, work and technology, and governance. Together, they provide a tool for policymakers, practitioners, journalists, and researchers seeking to assess whether institutions are prepared for longer lives.
Key priorities include combating ageism, promoting healthy ageing across the life course, reducing regional and gender inequalities, strengthening care systems, ensuring that technological innovation is inclusive, and improving the use of evidence in policymaking.
From Longer Lives to Better Lives
Building a longevity society means focusing on capabilities, participation, wellbeing, and intergenerational fairness rather than chronological age alone. It requires coordinated action across policy sectors, stronger links between research and decision-making, and meaningful involvement of older people in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Rather than asking how societies can cope with ageing populations, this publication asks a different question: how can societies thrive in an age of longevity? The 21 policy recommendations provide a practical roadmap for answering it.
Acknowledgement:
This publication is part of the Age-It project: Ageing Well in an Ageing Society, funded by Next Generation EU, in the context of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Investment PE8 – Project Age-It: “Ageing Well in an Ageing Society” [DM 1557 11.10.2022]. Age-It is an alliance of Italian universities, research centres, private firms, public institutions and civil society, covering, among others, demography, geriatrics and gerontology, neurology, cardiology, immunology, data science, education science, epidemiology, biology, genetic research, engineering, sociology, law, political science, and economics - https://ageit.eu