Healthy longevity: Preparing the EU for demographic change

03 October 2024
Policy Dialogue
Keynote: Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, European Commission
Speakers: Prof. Peter Piot, Special Advisor to European Commission President von der Leyen on European and Global Health Security; and Professor of Global Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Elizabeth Kuiper, Associate Director and Head of the Social Europe and Well-Being Programme, European Policy Centre; Prof. Sir Andrew Scott, Macroeconomist, London Business School and Author of the best-selling book 'The Longevity Imperative'; Prof. John Eu-Li Wong, Isabel Chan Professor in Medical Sciences and Executive Director, Centre for Population Health, National University of Singapore
Vide message: Prof. Awa Marie Coll Seck
MD, PhD, Specialist in Infectious Diseases; Chair of Galien Africa; Former Senior Minister to the President of the Republic of Senegal; Former Minister of Health
Moderator: Ines Hassan, Director, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
The European Union is on the cusp of a significant demographic change. Already the proportion of people of working age in the EU is shrinking while the relative number of those retired is expanding. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 30% of the EU's population will be aged 65 and over. Hence, as populations age, there is a need for comprehensive healthcare strategies, social services, infrastructure and workforce. In these areas, policymakers will have to find ways to encourage healthier lifestyles as people live longer. The EU is not alone in facing issues related to its ageing populations as other regions are grappling with or will have to grapple with changing demographics. While this presents challenges, it also offers opportunities to exchange with global partners to define best practices and learn from other regions confronted with this demographic transition.
This Policy Dialogue explored the EU’s readiness for demographic shifts and assessed what action is needed to promote healthy longevity. The event also reflected on the practical lessons that can be learnt from other parts of the world to prepare for ageing populations and promote healthy longevity in all regions.
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