3. Good health and well-being
Usually, we measure population aging by the percentage of people above a certain age. For example, Portugal had the fourth largest percentage of 60+ individuals in 2017 (27.9 %). Forecasts suggest that by 2050, about 42 % of the Portuguese population may be aged 60+, roughly the same percentage as in neighboring Spain and lagging only Japan. This is a phenomenon affecting virtually every developed country.
Such figures raise concerns about the sustainability of health and pension systems and even the sustainability of economic growth. Why?
Our challenge is to allow individuals to remain as active as possible and to age as healthily as possible, maintaining their functional capacity.
We need not only to alleviate the pressures of aging on the economy but also, and above all, guarantee the quality of life.
Overall, the longevity economy, which includes the value of the productive activities of the 50+ (paid or unpaid), their consumption, tax contributions, and savings, will soon represent more than half of the American GDP, according to a recent AARP estimate.
So, how can we capitalize on these opportunities?
This article follows my participation in a round table about health and sustainable development at the 2.º Congresso da Unidade de Saúde Pública e da ACT do Baixo Vouga on May 24th.
We all have a role to play
With just ten years to go, an ambitious global effort is underway to deliver the 2030 promise. We want to take a stand and we are calling on our community to showcase how they are contributing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, whilst influencing more and more people to unravel their role to play.
Here, you will find four different ways your ideas can flourish, dialogue can be enhanced, and action can take place. You can choose one or all four, and Nova SBE will be there to support you all the way and guarantee tangible change.
We all have a role to play, and this is your way in.