Economist Andrew Scott — How We Can Sustain Longer, Healthier Lives
Apr 30, 2024
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Economist Andrew Scott and longevity expert explores living well for longer, societal impact, shifting aging approaches, healthy habits, and system changes for lengthening lives.
Longer lives require a societal shift towards healthier aging habits and support systems.
Investing in health and adapting to longer lifespans are essential for a fulfilling and productive life.
Deep dives
Andrew Scott's Interest in Longevity
Andrew Scott, a macro economist, dedicated a significant portion of his time to writing 'The Longevity Imperative'. He believes longevity is a crucial topic often overlooked. Scott considers longevity as important as AI and climate change for shaping our future. He emphasizes the need to discuss and adapt to living longer, advocating for a shift from viewing aging as negative to preparing societies for longer lifespans.
The First and Second Longevity Revolution
Scott discusses the concept of the first longevity revolution where the majority now can expect to live longer. This shift challenges society to prepare for longer lifespans beyond the traditional life expectancy. He introduces the idea of a second longevity revolution focusing on adjusting behaviors and societal structures to support healthier and more fulfilling lives as people age.
Maintaining Health Span and Longevity
Scott stresses the importance of a three-dimensional longevity dividend, where individuals must continue to be productive and healthy over extended lifetimes. He highlights the need to invest in health to minimize decline and extend healthy years for a better quality of life. Scott emphasizes individuals taking proactive steps for their health, including proper diet, exercise, sleep, and relationships.
The Shift Towards Healthy Aging and Longer Work Lives
Scott advocates for a reevaluation of health systems to prioritize preventative health measures and focus on research into the biology of aging. He underlines the necessity of adapting labor markets to support individuals aged 50 to 66 in maintaining work engagement. Scott suggests a shift towards flexible work arrangements and enhanced educational opportunities to accommodate multi-stage careers and address increasing life expectancies.
With the majority of today's youths in the UK having more than a 50% change of living past 90, the key question becomes: how do we live well for longer? How can our health span match our growing life span? From healthy habits to the larger role which societies must play in shifting approaches to ageing and health, economist and longevity expert Andrew Scott explores the systemic impact, and potential, of our lengthening lives.