How Aging Is Transforming Regional Economies and Sparking Global Innovation
Dr. Joe Coughlin
Translating global demographic, social & technology insights into business strategy
Global aging is not a crisis to be solved—it’s the opportunity of a century waiting to be seized. The new market of old age involves not simply developing ways to live longer but inventing products, services, and policies to live longer and better.?
Populations worldwide are aging at unprecedented rates, reshaping economies, industries, and regions. By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to double, reaching over 1.6 billion globally. By 2047, the global population over 60 will outnumber children. In economic terms, older adults are already a $15 trillion longevity economy and growing rapidly. The question isn’t whether aging will transform the world—it’s who will lead this transformation.?
In our newly published book, Longevity Hubs: Regional Innovation for Global Aging, Luke Yoquinto and I, along with leading contributors worldwide, explore how certain regions are emerging as global powerhouses of innovation and development focused on aging populations. These "Longevity Hubs" are proving that embracing demographic change isn’t just good for society—it’s a strategic socioeconomic advantage.
From Louisville, Kentucky, to Newcastle in the UK, Milan, S?o Paulo, Tel Aviv, and beyond, Longevity Hubs examines the strategies these regions are turning the challenges of aging into engines of growth. Whether driven by government policy, business innovation, or collaborative stakeholder efforts, these hubs are improving lives while unlocking enormous economic potential.
Why Longevity Hubs Matter?
What’s in the Book?
Longevity Hubs explores how regions are crafting their own formulas for success:
?Longevity Hubs includes insights from Fortune 500 CEOs, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators and illustrates the power of localized solutions to address a global opportunity.
The Future Belongs to Leaders Who See Opportunity?
Yes, AI is set to shape the future in unpredictable ways. Likewise, economics is predictably unpredictable. Demography, however, is destiny. We know the future is older. If your government, company, or organization isn’t preparing for an aging world, it risks falling behind in the race to attract talent, investment, and innovation. Aging isn’t a distant future—it’s here, and it’s a growth story for those who see opportunities, not problems.
Read Longevity Hubs (MIT Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and booksellers worldwide) to discover how regions around the globe are making aging a win-win for older adults, businesses, policymakers, and society. Let’s reframe aging not as a burden but as the world’s greatest untapped opportunity to live longer better lives.
Ask yourself. Will your region lead in the global longevity economy?
Many thanks to Longevity Hubs contributors, including those who wrote new essays about longevity hubs in cities and regions around the world: Alyaa Al Mulla, Bruce Broussard, Jon Metzler, Emanuela Notari, Gregor Rae, Colin Williams, Layla Vallias, Keren Etkin, Pongsak H., Thanasak Hoontrakul, Stephen Johnston and to the authors of our 2021-2022 Boston Globe Opinion series, included in the book, exploring how Boston could become the Silicon Valley of longevity economy innovation. Luke Yoquinto and I offer our thanks and congratulations to everyone. Marc Freedman, Anne Doyle, Tim Driver, Jody Shue, MPH, Alice Bonner, Doug Dickson, Ryan C.C. Chin, Ph.D., Katherine Freund, Jo Ann Jenkins, Kyle Rand, Danielle Duplin, Joe Chung, Libby Brittain, Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Wayne Ysaguirre, Seth Sternberg, Nancy LeaMond, Lisa D'Ambrosio, Brooks Tingle, Jean Hynes, Lorna Sabbia, Deepak Ganesan Niteesh Choudhry, MD, PhD, Benjamin Marlin, Li-Huei Tsai, Amy Schectman, Elise Selinger, Gina Paglucia Morrison, Susan McWhinney-Morse, Joe Carella, Marisa Morán Jahn, Rafi Segal, Heather Carroll Cox, Michelle Williams, Jean C. Accius, PhD, NACD.DC, Elizabeth Dugan, PhD FGSA.
Want to know more about how demographic trends are driving and shaping the future? Follow me on LinkedIn, Dr. Joe Coughlin, and share and subscribe to my newsletter, Longevity Economy, as I explore the impact of changing demographics and behavior on business, government, and society.
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Host and Co-Producer of The Art 2 Aging podcast series and newsletter, Digital Content Creator, Audiobook Narrator, Ghost Writer, Author
1 天前How refreshing to find a thought leader who is excited about the aging demograhic in the world. Usually, we read about the disastrous results of a shrinking workforce and the economic horrors that may be unleashed therein or the devastating impact on healthcare that lies just down the road. Kudos, sir!
Founder@Focus Coaching. Helping Midlifers and the Sandwich Generation to simplify & prioritise in order to create more fulfillment.
2 天前Such an important topic and I am looking forward to reading the book, my copy arrived today. I am currently also reading Dr. Joe Coughlin 'The Longevity Economy' which is a fascinating read.
Retirement Income and Fee-Based Planning Advisor for Financial Emotional Security
3 天前well stated
Strategic Advisor, Seamless Ventures
3 天前I agree 110% Dr. Joe Coughlin ! The opportunities to listen to those aging into their next chapter and design ways to help improve where they live, work, play and explore whatever is next in their lives is truly a privilege and a huge opportunity! Looking forward to learning more about your Longevity Hubs model and if it aligns well in our region.
Managing Director, Collaborative Aging, Author of "OPTIONS OPEN: The Guide for Mapping Your Best Aging Journey" - optionsopen.org
4 天前I agree, Dr. Joe Coughlin! Many opportunities await for regions to lead innovation in healthcare, housing, caregiving supports, technology and other resources as well! By creatively tuning into the needs of the rising aging population, regions can build modern and appealing longevity solutions, while transforming their regional economies!