New stories for longer lives | Dr. Joseph F. Coughlin

Longevity Economy Overview - The longevity economy is about translating 20-40 years of added life into a longevity dividend, focusing on living longer and better [1] - The 60+ age group worldwide controls 30% of the world's spending power, making it the third-largest economy after the US and China [2] - The new generation gap is about expectations, with people believing in products, policies, or solutions to improve older age compared to previous generations [2] Shifting Perceptions of Aging - The traditional view of old age is a made-up story that frames aging as a problem rather than an opportunity [1] - Products and services often fail to cater to the fun, fashion, friends, and sex aspects of older adults' lives, limiting creativity and innovation [1] - Older adults today have more education than ever before, challenging the stereotype of them disliking technology [2] Evolving Life Stages and Demographics - Half of the children born in the 1990s and early 2000s in the industrialized world are forecasted to live 100 years, necessitating a reevaluation of life stages [4] - Adulthood is being pushed out, with some suggesting it starts in the mid-30s, impacting various life events and societal norms [5] - There's an increase in women over 40 having children, often resulting in only one child [7] Infrastructure and Institutional Changes - Social infrastructure needs to change, including transitioning out of work through mentorship and flexibility [16] - Institutions like education need to adapt to lifetime learning, considering the rapid pace of knowledge doubling [17][18] - The built environment should be redesigned to be age-ready, exciting, and delightful across the lifespan [21] The Future is Female - Women over 50 are the second-largest group starting new businesses in the United States and represent 35% of new high-tech businesses in China [10] - In the UK, women now outpace men in earnings and starting new businesses [11]