• The UK Parliament has recently backed a medical aid in dying bill (not yet law) that would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to make end-of-life decisions. Ashoka Fellow Esther Rantzen, who has stage 4 lung cancer, has been a prominent advocate, emphasizing that this is an issue of access for individuals facing acute end-of-life choices. In 2013, she launched The Silver Line, a free 24/7 helpline offering care and connection to older adults in the UK experiencing loneliness and isolation. Esther’s advocacy aligns with other organizations like Infinito (Brazil) and EndWell (United States) that are transforming the way society thinks about, talks about, and plans for the end of life.

 

  • Caregiving is a reality for most employees but often overlooked by employers. A Harvard study revealed 73% of U.S. workers have caregiving duties, yet only 24% of employers recognize its impact on productivity. This disconnect drives turnover, with 32% of employees—50% of those aged 26–35—leaving jobs due to caregiving challenges. Companies can bridge the gap by expanding the definition of caregiving, and fostering flexible, stigma-free policies. Caregivers bring empathy, problem-solving, and multitasking skills, strengthening workplace culture and operations. Supporting them ensures talent retention and resilience. Ashoka Fellow Riccarda Zezza , through Lifeed ,  builds on this potential by transforming caregiving into a workplace asset, empowering employers to recognize and harness these skills as catalysts for professional growth and organizational success. Learn more.

 

  • The World Economic Forum (WEF) u recently spotlighted Liv, the world’s first AI assistant designed with input from people living with dementia. Developed by Innovations in Dementia - in collaboration with tech company Lenovo and University of Exeter , Liv provides 24/7 support and personalized advice to those recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Using real-world data, Liv helps individuals navigate the challenges of dementia with greater independence. Learn more.

 

 

  • Jonathan Rauch’s article "America Needs to Radically Rethink What It Means to Be Old" in The Atlantic highlights the urgent need for a societal shift in how aging is perceived and addressed. With lifespans stretching toward 100 years, traditional life stages—education, work, and retirement—are becoming obsolete. Rauch calls for redefining retirement as a time for growth and contribution, fostering age-inclusive workplaces, and promoting lifelong education. He cites Ashoka Fellow Marc Freedman’s work in shaping new options (and mindsets) for later adulthood.

 

  • Ashoka España recently launched the Living Longer and Better: New Longevity and Intergenerational report. This publication is the result of a collaborative mapping effort by our Ashoka New Longevity team in Spain. Nearly 100 experts came together to shape a vision for a future that fosters lifelong contribution through five key areas: innovation in healthcare and lifelong learning, reimagined leisure and work, inclusive spaces, intergenerational policies, and new narratives. Read more.

 

  • The article "Nueva Longevidad: 100 Años de Oportunidad" by Casilda Heraso , published in the 2024 Telos Diálogo Intergeneracional of Fundación Telefónica, examines the challenges and opportunities of rising life expectancy in Spain and beyond. Learn more.

 

  • Our collaborator Vânia de la Fuente-Núñez, MD, MA recently published a new book titled “La trampa de la edad . Vânia, who is a longevity expert and led WHO’s Global Campaign to Combat Ageism, offers valuable insights on creating a world that embraces people of all ages.

 

"With lifespans stretching toward 100 years, aging is no longer about decline but about growth, contribution, and redefining possibilities." — Jonathan Rauch

 

See you in 2025!