This report moves beyond narrow demographic framings to examine the institutional and policy adjustments required as societies adapt to longer lives and a rising proportion of older citizens. It emphasises the importance of sustained investment in human capital—including health, skills, purpose, and social engagement—across the life course as a means of addressing the economic and social challenges associated with population ageing. The report also identifies extended labour-market participation from age 50 onwards as a critical policy priority, noting that increases in the state pension age alone are insufficient, given that many individuals exit employment well before reaching pension eligibility.
