“Time for long-term politics” in the next Government, argues the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC)

Following the launch of the manifestos last week, David Sinclair, Chief Executive of ILC, the UK’s leading authority on the impact of long lives on society, said: 

“It’s disheartening to see that despite the profound challenges and opportunities presented by our ageing population, the party manifestos make scant reference to what is needed over our long lives.” 

“How is it right that in some parts of the UK, people’s healthy life expectancy is on par with far poorer countries like Angola and Eritrea? Imagine our economic superpower if we levelled up and added five years of good health to everyone.” 

“Why is it that we still write people off because of their age? Imagine if workers of all ages were supported, enabled and valued – and employers were incentivised to do so.” 

“We need a holistic vision and action from a new government that not only addresses the care and support needed but also celebrates the potential of longer, healthier lives. Rather than short-term sticking plasters, now is the time for long-term politics.” 

The International Longevity Centre UK has set out its 5 priorities for the next Government: 

ILC key messages for the new government

We could all be living longer, happier, more active lives. But the new government has to be bold in planning for long lives, or we will see health and care systems in crisis, further economic downturn and public services on the brink. 

We are living longer, but in much poorer health. If we don’t turn this around, in 5 years we will face an economic and social crisis that will undermine economic growth. 

• The new government must address the population health crisis – this means “nanny state on steroids” and immediate commitment of 6% investment in preventative health interventions.
  

We are living longer but working less – if we don’t turn this around in 5 years our services won’t have workers and our economy will struggle. 

• The new government must support those who want to work to do so through flexibility-by-default, alongside investment in skills and workplace health.

The share of wealth held by younger people has collapsed – if we don’t turn this around in 5 years’ time, we risk undermining the intergenerational contract.  

• The new government must prioritise investment in reducing poverty from the start of life and supporting younger people with a “leg-up” to adulthood.

Older people are underspending and too many are forced out of work too soon – if we don’t turn this around, we risk missing out on the longevity dividend. 

• The new government needs to make public spaces and the retail environment work for all ages to ensure our towns and high streets thrive not just survive.

We need a coherent strategy and leadership to support long lives for the future 

• The new government must develop a national strategy for long lives, tying demographic change in with the other megatrends of our time: climate change and AI. 

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 Contact  

Press@ilcuk.org.uk or +44 (0) 7736 124 096. Spokespeople are available on request.