The Longevity Imperative

A leading expert on longevity calls for a revolution in the way we think about health, ageing, and the future . . .

The last century saw a revolution in life expectancy. Whether you are male or female, born in the global south or north, the chances are that you can expect to live much longer than previous generations. But instead of seeing this as a precious gift of extra life, we see it as a burden, with ageing populations dogged by infirmity, dependent on an ever-decreasing number of young people to support them.

Andrew J. Scott argues it doesn't have to be like that. Our longer lives can be a source of hope and fulfilment if we seize the opportunity to pursue the evergreen agenda, one in which we pursue a sustainable lifestyle both for ourselves as individuals - investing in our finances, health, skills and relationships to support a longer life - and for the planet.

Review

As improvements in medical science and living standards ensure that most of us now live to be old. How do we make sure that we age well-that we are 'evergreen'? That is the question at the heart of Andrew Scott's striking new book, which argues persuasively that aging is as big a challenge for humanity as climate change or artificial intelligence. Scott has some wise suggestions as to how exactly we can do it -- Niall Ferguson, author of THE ASCENT OF MONEY

Finally, a manifesto to guide the longevity revolution . . . A revelation on every page. This should be required reading for every physician and politician. On almost every page, I found myself saying, "Really, I didn't know that!" -- David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, author of New York Times bestseller LIFESPAN

Inspiring, enlightening and uplifting, The Longevity Imperative demands a radical rethink of aging by putting forward a blueprint for how to live well today, tomorrow and in the future. A wake up call for business leaders and politicians, and a must read for anyone who wants a life well lived -- Noreena Hertz, author of THE LONELY CENTURY

The world is undergoing an unparalleled demographic change. We are witnessing not just aging, but a longevity revolution as billions around the world are set to live longer, healthier lives. This engaging book does not just draw attention to this underappreciated transformation. It also outlines how we need to change our economy, with an "evergreening" strategy that allows people to flourish many times during their lives, and remake our norms and institutions. This is a must-read book with an important message and many lessons -- Daron Acemoglu, author of POWER AND PROGRESS

Once in a while, a book comes along that resets our thinking - this certainly does that! It is an important work that will stimulate you to rethink your own, and our collective, future -- Linda Yueh, author of THE GREAT CRASHES: LESSONS FROM GLOBAL MELTDOWNS AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

In every sense, longevity is the opportunity of our lifetime. The "evergreen agenda", brilliantly and compellingly set out in this book, provides the key to unlocking this opportunity for the benefit of individuals, economies and societies alike -- Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist at Bank of England, CEO Royal Society of the Arts

About the Author

Andrew J. Scott is a professor of economics at London Business School, having previously taught at the University of Oxford and Harvard University. He is co-founder of The Longevity Forum, a consulting scholar at the Stanford Center on Longevity, and co-author of the global bestseller The 100-Year Life. He lives in London.