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

 

  • Ashoka is thrilled to announce the election of two new Ashoka Fellows: Wida Septarina from Indonesia and Elena Parras Duran from Portugal. Supported by Boehringer Ingelheim , Wida and Elena are advancing social innovations in healthy longevity and lifelong contribution, while reshaping the global longevity narrative. Wida, founder of Yayasan Lumbung Pangan Indonesia (Food Bank of Indonesia), is addressing malnutrition among older people and children through an innovative food surplus distribution system. Elena, founder of 55+, is transforming perceptions of aging by empowering mature citizens to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Learn more about their transformative work.

 

  • The UK’s Longevity Forum convened thought leaders during Longevity Week (Nov. 11–15) to discuss “Prevention: The Path to Healthier, Longer Lives.” In his recap, Mark Venning highlighted the shift from reactive "sick care" to prevention-focused systems, with Pamela Gellatly (HCML) stressing the economic cost of unhealthy aging, including workplace absenteeism, and advocating for social prescribing as a vital solution. Cynthia Bullock shared outcomes from the UKRI Healthy Ageing Challenge, a £98 million initiative fostering innovation in healthier aging. Mark Swift's Wellbeing Enterprises CIC demonstrates the impact of social prescribing by empowering communities to prioritize wellbeing. Read more.

 

  • The number of adults living with diabetes worldwide has quadrupled over the past three decades, rising from 1990 to 2022 to reach 828 million, according to a global study by the World Health Organization. Alarmingly, 59% of patients remained untreated in the most recent year—a figure 3.5 times higher than in 1990. The analysis, based on data from over 140 million adults across more than 1,000 studies, reveals that 1 in 4 cases is in India. Ashoka Fellow Nalini Saligram is tackling this crisis through Arogya World, promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases to foster lasting community health improvements. Learn more.

 

  • MIT engineers have found that exercise not only strengthens muscles but also accelerates neuron growth. During muscle contractions, myokines are released, stimulating neurons to grow four times faster. Interestingly, physical stretching has the same effect, highlighting the significance of both biochemical and physical impacts. These groundbreaking findings could pave the way for new treatments for nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, positioning exercise as a key tool for nerve regeneration and restoring mobility. Learn more.

 

  • This month, two events highlighted the connection between climate change and healthy living. Several panel discussions at COP29 in Baku and on the 20th International Conference on Urban Health in Marrakech covered topics such as the impact of extreme climate events on people’s health and wellbeing. In August, the Mckinsey Health Institute published an article on Health-related climate adaptation.

 

  • Transborda 60+,  project created by Ashoka Fellows Gabriela Agustini and Silvana Bahia , empowers seniors 60+ to close the digital gap through workshops on digital tools, apps, and online security. By enhancing autonomy, the program helps older people navigate digital spaces, share their knowledge, and highlight their societal contributions. While 84% of Brazilian households have internet access, only 51% of seniors are online due to skill gaps. With 90% of public services now online, digital inclusion is essential for active citizenship. Read the latest report on Digital inclusion in Brazil.

 

"What you believe about aging shapes your experience of it. The more positively you view aging, the better your physical and mental health will be." — Becca Levy, PhD

 

Save the date!

 

  • Ashoka Spain will unveil its new report, "Living Longer and Better," in Málaga on December 12th. Developed in collaboration with 119 organizations across Spain and 14 leading experts in new longevity, the report highlights strategies for fostering an inclusive and sustainable future for all generations. The event will feature insights from renowned figures, providing a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, building networks, and driving impactful change. Sign up to get a copy of the report.

 

  • Join the Antonio Gramsci Society UK on 11th December 2024 for Unleashing Our Imagination to Facilitate Political and Social Change online event with Mark Swift . An Ashoka Fellow and CEO of Wellbeing Enterprises CIC, Mark will explore how innovative approaches like dream workshops empower communities to address health inequities and co-create meaningful futures. Inspired by Ruth Levitas’ Utopia as Method, he will share real-world examples, including a Europe-wide initiative to reimagine healthcare systems. Sign up.

 

 

Your Turn:

How is Your Community Shaping a Future Where Everyone Thrives at Every Age? Share your thoughts!