The Longevity Revolution does not simply mean 30 additional years in ‘old age’. Rather, it provides 30 years of enormous potential for society as a whole in addition to the individuals. The implications will be felt throughout the life course. The earlier a person starts to prepare themselves for the prospect of growing older, the better. A vastly extended future is now the norm rather than the experience of the exceptional, usually materially privileged, few. The concept of ‘Active Ageing’ defined by WHO as “the process of optimizing the opportunities for health, lifelong learning (LLL), participation and security in order to improve quality of life as one gets older” provides a useful template. It applies to individuals and societies. Good health and new abilities (LLL) are keys to facilitate full participation in society. The Longevity Revolution will force societies to re-examine obsolete practices. The very definition of retirement will need to be re-thought. This presentation will also touch on some innovative multi-sectoral responses to the Longevity Revolution.

Dr Alexandre Kalache was the former head of the Aging and Life course program at WHO from 1995 through to 2007 and he’s spent his working life developing strategies for the aging population being able to live vibrant and independent lives in environmentally friendly cities – in their own homes. Adelaide Thinker in Residence 2011–2012, Dr Kalache is a specialist in age-related issues.

This event is being run in partnership with ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR)