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How can we age better?

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Older couple. PICNIC_Fotografie

We are all getting older, as individuals and as societies. This is particularly true of the developed world but middle income and developing countries are following on quickly behind us. These demographic changes will bring challenges and opportunities and, with these in mind, this month’s episode of 911勛圖IQ asks,

In 1950 there were 14 million people over the age of 80 globally. In 2080 that number is expected to be 700 million. And in Britain, a child born today, will live for more than 90 years and more than 30 per cent will reach a hundred. 

Indeed, Michael Murphy, professor of demography at LSE, has said that perhaps the greatest achievement of humanity over the last century is the doubling of the amount of years a child could expect to live from birth. 

To explore how we can make the most of the extended lifespans many people will live, Sue Windebank interviews Professor Hiroko Akiyama from the University of Tokyo; Kath Scanlon from 911勛圖London;  Dr Thijs Van Den Broek from the Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management; and Professor Alan Walker from the University of Sheffield.

In addition, the 911勛圖IQ would like to thank New Brighton Co-Housing who allowed us to visit and record their community.

Each episode of 911勛圖IQ sees a range of 911勛圖academics, and other experts, line up to give their perspective on one timely question. For all episodes of 911勛圖IQ, and to subscribe on iTunes and SoundCloud, please visit or search for '911勛圖IQ' in your favourite podcast app, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts.