An introduction to longevity: concepts and drivers
Defining longevity
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and above is expected to double by 2050, and triple by 21001. As global life expectancy continues to rise, partly due to advances in medical technology and partly due to improvements in living standards, the concept of longevity is more significant than ever before. While this phenomenon can be celebrated as an indication of improved living conditions, it presents unique challenges for society and healthcare systems.
Life expectancy, lifespan and longevity are often used interchangeably but they refer to different concepts.2 Life expectancy is the amount of time a person is expected to live based on the year they were born, their current age and various demographic factors. It is always statistically defined as the average number of years of life remaining at a given age. So, life expectancy is basically the average lifespan of a population.
Longevity, on the other hand, can be considered as the average lifespan under ideal conditions, also described as the ability to live a long life beyond the species-specific average age at death.3 Whereas some individuals are fortunate enough to enjoy good health and mobility well into their 80s and beyond, others may experience a decline in their physical and cognitive abilities much earlier in life, highlighting the importance of quality-of-life measures. Therefore, successful or healthy ageing has been defined as the absence of physical impairment and chronic diseases, as well as optimal social participation and mental wellbeing.
The WHO considers healthy ageing in a more holistic sense – one that is based on life-course and functional perspectives. It’s the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.4
1.Aging and Health. (2022, October 1). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved February 21, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/aging-and-health
2.International Encyclopedia of Public Health. (2016). Cockerham, W. C., & Quah, S. R. (Eds.). Elsevier Science. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/international-encyclopedia-of-public-health/quah/978-0-12-803678-5
3.Max Planck, Retrieved February 21,2023, from https://www.age.mpg.de/what-do-the-terms-life-expectancy-lifespan-longevity-and-health-span-mean
4.Human aging: usual and successful. (1987). Kahn, R., & Rowe, J. Science, 237(4811), 149. 10.1126/science.3299702 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3299702/
Our purpose
So, while this report identifies the main challenges confronting GCC governments as they seek to mitigate the costs of an ageing population by creating conditions for healthy, fulfilled lives, it also provides recommendations in that same positive spirit. Some of the consequences of ageing are unavoidably negative. None of the proposals in this report alter the reality that the GCC citizens, like their peers worldwide, will become economically less productive and need more healthcare as they become older. Yet there are good reasons why tomorrow’s highly digitalised GCC “knowledge economies” can also be societies that value the region’s best traditions, ensuring that older citizens lead fulfilling lives to the end of their days.
The way forward
As the GCC gets more serious about its longevity sector, our report explores areas where further action can be taken to better support the growing senior population. We make a number of key recommendations for the essential stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, including:
As governments across the GCC pursue ambitious transformation agendas with initiatives that need to be strategised, organised and regulated, this region is well positioned to become a global innovator for developing policy and solutions to address the rapid change in the demographics.
The numerous enhancements by healthcare providers and their key roles in improving the lives of beneficiaries make it an essential catalyst for promoting longevity and healthy ageing.
With regards to healthy ageing, insurance providers can cater to the needs of an important, rapidly increasing market segment.
The integration of academic knowledge with real-world experiences is essential for gaining insights relating to healthy ageing and its consequences.
The private sector’s contributions can drive focus on healthy ageing through strategic investments in key areas that promote wellbeing in the ageing population.
Longevity and Ageing Populations in the GCC
Discover more in our latest report.
Contact us
Lina Shadid
Health Industries Lead, PwC Middle East
