In this Elderberries interview, economist and longevity expert Professor Andrew J. Scott discusses the ideas behind his latest work, The Longevity Imperative. He explains why rising life expectancy is not simply an ageing‑population challenge but a profound opportunity — if societies redesign work, education, health, and financial systems to support longer, more flexible lives. Scott argues that the real shift is not the number of older people, but the fact that every age group now lives longer, requiring individuals and institutions to “age differently” by investing in health, skills, relationships, and purpose across the entire life course.
Key Insights
- Longevity is a structural shift: people at every age can expect to live longer.
- The traditional three‑stage life (education → work → retirement) is no longer fit for purpose.
- Societies must invest in health, wealth, skills, relationships, and purpose across all ages.
- Ageing should be reframed from “burden” to opportunity, with policy and business innovation.
- Individuals need flexible pathways that allow reinvention, rest, and renewal over longer careers.
