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

 

  • As populations age and economies shift, the balance between lifespan, health span, and wealth span is increasingly out of sync. A new report from the Geneva Association :Insurance and the Longevity Economy, highlights the urgency of aligning financial security with longer, healthier lives—especially as global life expectancy rises while fertility rates fall. Social entrepreneurs are stepping in, driving solutions that bridge economic and health gaps. Among them, Ashoka Fellows Gautam Bhardwaj and Rushika Fernandopulle are rethinking financial resilience and healthcare models to ensure lifelong well-being.

 

  • Entrepreneur and Founder of Brilliant Minds , Katerina Stroponiati, is expanding Silicon Valley’s view of entrepreneurship by backing founders over 50. She highlights how experience, industry expertise, and strong networks complement innovation at any age. As The Wall Street Journal reports, research shows, middle-aged founders have some of the highest success rates. Her first investment? Bridget Johns-Pavlopoulos , who launched her first company at 51. The message is clear: great ideas and bold ventures have no age limit.

 

  • The Age-Friendly Communities Handbook, developed by the Centre for Ageing Better , provides a practical guide for cities to create inclusive environments for older adults. Grounded in the WHO’s Eight Domains of Age-Friendly Communities, it outlines strategies to improve housing, transportation, public spaces, and social inclusion. Complementing this, the newly released Age-Friendly Communities Impact Report showcases real-world examples of how these strategies are driving change across the UK. Championing age-friendly cities, Bairro Com Vida revitalizes urban neighborhoods in Brazil by fostering community collaboration to enhance public spaces, cultural events, and sustainability. By prioritizing inclusivity across all generations, it helps build safer, more vibrant, and welcoming cities.

 

 

  • The Leaving No One Behind report by The Fred Hollows Foundation and CBM Australia highlights how older people with disabilities face compounded discrimination, limiting access to essential services. With the Indo-Pacific’s aging population set to double by 2050, it calls for governments and organizations to integrate ageism and ableism into policies, improve data collection, and scale best practices. At the same time, Ashoka Fellow Thorkil Sonne , through the Square Foundation, is driving this change by challenging biases and reshaping systems to create inclusive environments where neurodistinct individuals of all ages can thrive. Through storytelling, advocacy, and systemic solutions, he works to ensure workplaces, schools, and communities value diverse talents.

 

  • China’s pension system is under growing strain as young workers stop contributing, fearing the fund will run dry before they retire. Bloomberg News , in its article "China’s Wobbly Economy Faces New Threat From Pensions Boycott,"warns the deficit could reach critical levels by 2035 as the workforce shrinks and the elderly population surges. While Beijing pushes reforms like raising the retirement age, concerns over economic stability and government transparency persist. Ashoka Fellow Gautam Bhardwaj , through pinBox Solutions, is addressing global pension challenges by expanding digital micro-pension inclusion across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, helping non-salaried workers secure their financial future. Learn more.

 

  • Dr. Joe Coughlin and Luke Yoquinto 's book, Longevity Hubs: Regional Innovation for Global Aging, explores how cities and regions worldwide are turning aging populations into drivers of economic growth and innovation. Rather than viewing longevity as a burden, forward-thinking governments and businesses are leveraging it to fuel technological advancements, market expansion, and policy transformation. As older adults' economic influence rises, the book makes a compelling case: aging societies aren’t just adapting—they’re leading the future of innovation. Get a copy.

 

 

  • Spain is set to open its first care home for elderly LGBT individuals who faced repression under Franco’s dictatorship, as reported by The Times. Founded by Ashoka Fellow Federico Armenteros Avila through the December 26 Foundation, the Madrid-based facility provides a safe, inclusive space for those marginalized in their youth. Opening on LGBT Pride Day with government support, it reimagines aging with dignity, community, and belonging at its core.

 

  • At 86, Spanish mountaineer Carlos Soria proves that resilience and movement are key to healthy aging. Despite osteoarthritis, cataract surgeries, and a knee prosthesis, he recently summited Aconcagua (6,962 meters) and is now preparing to climb Manaslu (8,163 meters). As El País journalist Juan Morenilla reports, Soria’s journey—marking the 50th anniversary of the first Spanish ascent of an eight-thousander—shows that age is no barrier to passion, perseverance, or pushing new limits. Read 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 world’s population is ageing. And wealth is shifting. Brands are going to have to wake up.” Jacynth Bassett | Founder | Ageism Is Never In Style®

 

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