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

  • Ashoka is thrilled to share that 101 IDEAS CO, led by Ashoka Fellow Catalina Santana from Colombia, has successfully registered the Certification Mark "AGE NEUTRAL COMPANY." This milestone grants 101 IDEAS CO the exclusive ability to certify businesses that champion the employment of individuals over 50, tackling the unique challenges and opportunities of the New Longevity. In addition to certification, the AGE NEUTRAL COMPANY mark will offer specialized advisory services, including education, training, workshops, and business management support, all with a focus on fostering intergenerational collaboration.

 

  • The World Economic Forum and Business Insider Africa highlight Switzerland’s innovative “time bank” initiative, where young volunteers earn credits by supporting older adults, which they can redeem for their own care later in life. A similar pilot in Beijing rewards volunteers with 1 coin per hour spent with seniors, redeemable for personal care after age 60 or transferable to friends and family; volunteers who save 10,000 coins qualify for a spot in a state care home. With 1 in 10 people over 65 today—and projected to reach 1 in 6 by 2050—time banks may offer a vital solution to address the growing need for caregivers. Learn more.

 

  • Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB/GYN, joined Dr. Brené Brown for a conversation on menopause and women’s health. Together, they challenge outdated perceptions and introduce the "menoposse," a group of experts dedicated to a modern, informed approach to menopause. Their aim is to empower women to navigate this natural life stage with confidence and control. The discussion highlights the need for systemic changes across healthcare, education, and society, reminding us that improving health span begins with recognizing our individual and collective power to create change. Join the conversation.

 

  • The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have introduced a virtual course on Age-Friendly Environments to help national and local programs create more inclusive communities for older adults. Age-friendly cities adapt their services and infrastructure to meet the needs of the aging population, enhancing health, safety, and social inclusion. WHO's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNFACC) encourages cities to foster healthy aging, and with PAHO’s support, the Americas region is leading this growth. The course is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese through PAHO's Virtual Campus for Public Health. Learn more.

 

  • Curious about the challenges and opportunities of an aging population from the perspective of social entrepreneurs, startups, and governments? Download the Mapeamento do Ecossistema de Inovação Social em Longevidade 2024 (Mapping of the Social Innovation Ecosystem in Longevity) report. This comprehensive study—conducted by Ashoka, Instituto Beja, and Itaú Viver Mais, with support from Apurva AI—identified over 400 initiatives and 30 action fronts focused on rethinking longevity in Brazil. This rich overview highlights aging as an urgent societal issue that calls for innovative solutions across all sectors. Now available in Portuguese.

 

  • Becca Levy, PhD, author of Breaking the Age Code, sheds light on the far-reaching impact of ageism on individuals and society. Drawing from her extensive research, Levy reveals how negative age stereotypes can harm the health and longevity of older adults, often in surprising ways. Her book uncovers the pervasive nature of ageist beliefs and explores how they shape older adults' self-image and well-being. Read more.

 

“If we could mitigate the various manifestations of ageism, we would certainly see the older people as protagonists, playing the leading role they have in society." ALEXANDRE SILVA.

 

Your Turn

What steps is your community taking to foster a more inclusive and age-friendly environment? Share your thoughts!