Hot Topics

• Key publications and information sources
• Increasing longevity and policies related to retirement age
• Measuring financial health and financial well-being 
• Economic contribution of older adults (Third Demographic Dividend)
• Examples of innovative government initiatives in different countries

Please see Definitions for detailed definitions of various terms used here. Please also refer to the Resources page for recommendations on longevity-related research labs and institutes, books, podcasts, academic papers, blogs, and press articles.

The world’s population is ageing. With birth rates falling and life expectancies rising in recent decades, the global population aged 65 and above now exceeds that under age 5. Some refer to this demographic shift as a silver tsunami, a term that equates population ageing with a natural disaster, while others think of it as the Third Demographic Dividend.

The age wave is not a silver tsunami —it is a silver lining, yielding golden dividends.

While increasing longevity is creating strains on institutions from pensions to the social security systems, countries that plan ahead are likely to find better solutions. When it comes to supporting vast portions of a population in promoting financial health and financial well-being, it becomes essential for governments and policymakers to get involved. Financial well-being is not just about individual behavior but also the policies and systems shaping people’s financial lives. Managing this demographic shift well requires new policies, new models, and perhaps new institutions.

Governments and policymakers globally are deploying different solutions to help their populations not only live longer and healthier but also happier and more fulfilling and financially secure lives. Many believe that our success as countries should be judged by the happiness of our people. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2013, proclaiming 20 March to be observed annually as International Day of Happiness. The World Happiness Report has some suggestions on measuring national happiness and what should be done over the next decade.