Happy New Year! Every month, we share highlights on how innovations and changemakers are shaping society for New Longevity.

 

 

  • Aging populations, AI advancements, and the green transition are reshaping the global workforce, as highlighted in the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025. Employers anticipate a surge in demand for healthcare professionals, renewable energy specialists, and AI-driven roles while navigating skill gaps and economic uncertainty. With 86% of businesses expecting AI to transform their operations and 85% prioritizing workforce reskilling, the future of work will require adaptability and lifelong learning. As demographic shifts accelerate, investing in age-inclusive policies and caregiving innovations will be key. Explore how longevity is shaping the future of jobs.

 

  • Dementia affects millions worldwide, but nearly half of cases are preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, as outlined in the 2024 Lancet Commission report by the The Lancet Group . The report highlights the importance of early prevention, equitable policies, and person-centered care to reduce risks and improve lives. Championing Dementia Care, Ashoka Fellow DY Suharya , through Alzheimer Indonesia is transforming dementia care with initiatives like the nationwide “Jangan Maklum Dengan Pikun” (Do Not Underestimate Memory Loss) campaign, certified care training, and Alzheimer-friendly city advocacy. Learn more about Alzheimer Indonesia.

 

  • Still on Dementia, brain health emerged as a top priority at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting its critical role in workplace resilience and management. As mental health challenges rise globally, the focus is shifting from reactive treatments to preventive strategies. The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative introduced a framework identifying nine interconnected factors—such as stress, sleep, and physical activity—that influence brain health. Experts emphasize the pivotal role of managers in fostering cognitive well-being, urging organizations to integrate brain health into their core business strategies to enhance retention, productivity, and innovation. Learn more.

 

  • Milken Institute Future of Aging report 2025, "Supporting Family Caregiving: How Employers Can Lead," highlights the rising demands of family caregiving, with 53 million Americans balancing caregiving and work. Caregiving strains productivity and job satisfaction, costing employers up to $33 billion annually due to absenteeism and turnover. To support their workforce, the report suggests employers implement flexible work arrangements, offer paid family leave, and create caregiver support groups. These actions not only boost employee retention and satisfaction but also improve organizational productivity. The report urges employers to adopt policies that foster a supportive, inclusive workplace. Learn more.

 

  • L'Oréal's For All Generations program is reshaping the workplace to embrace all ages, promoting intergenerational diversity, lifelong employability, and tailored health support for over 13,000 employees aged 50+. Through initiatives like Generation Days and Generaciones, L'Oréal is fostering inclusivity and innovation, making age diversity central to its future success. In parallel, Ashoka Fellow Catalina Santana Castellanos , through 101 Ideas, is advancing Age Neutral companies in Colombia, certifying businesses that prioritize the employment of individuals over 50 and offering advisory services to encourage intergenerational collaboration. Learn more.

 

  • At the 2025 Golden Globes, Demi Moore (62), Nicole Kidman (57), and Karla Sofía Gascón (52) showcased timeless glamour, while Michelle Yeoh (62) and Naomi Watts (56) redefined fashion through bold, sculptural designs. Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres (59) won Best Actress in a Drama Film at the Satellite Awards, presented by the International Press Academy. From Pamela Anderson’s makeup-free look to Viola Davis’s impactful repeat gown, the red carpet proved that age is no barrier to reinvention, creativity, or impact. Featured in The Guardian and Agência Brasil.

 

  • The Stanford Center on Longevity has announced eight finalist teams for its 12th Annual Longevity Design Challenge, spotlighting bold innovations in education for a century-long life. From an AI-powered classroom assistant for older adults to a board game bridging digital skills across generations, this year’s projects rethink learning at every stage. Finalists will compete for the $10,000 prize at Stanford on April 22, 2025, with a keynote by education expert Mitchell Stevens. As careers and lifespans extend, these student-driven solutions highlight the power of lifelong learning. Learn more.

 

  • Ashoka is actively seeking exceptional social innovators who are driving systems change in New Longevity. New Longevity is about healthy living, lifelong contribution, lifelong learning, caregiving, intergenerational connection, and transforming the narrative around aging. These changemakers are reshaping our world as we age.  Do you know someone transforming how we live and age? Nominate an Ashoka Fellow today!

 

"The best way to address the challenges of aging is to rethink what it means to grow older and how we can maximize our contributions." – Marc Freedman (Share on LinkedIn)

 

Your Turn

Ready to discover your next big longevity insight—healthy living, lifelong learning, caregiving, or intergenerational connection? Check out what’s next!