Responding to Government announcement of the “UK Longevity Council” and a “Business Champion for the Ageing Society”, David Sinclair, Director of the International Longevity Centre (ILC) said:

“With Brexit posing significant economic uncertainty, it is vital that the UK maximises every opportunity for growth.

Our ageing society is an opportunity for growth which the UK can grasp. We could play a global leadership role if we get this right.

Ageing is far too often portrayed as a drain on society.  Yet there could be a significant financial return for companies, government and individuals if we adapt our society to increased longevity.

To maximise the longevity dividend we must fundamentally adapt the way we work, live and play.

And we need to make sure these opportunities are open to everyone. We cannot ignore the challenges associated with ageing and the wide inequalities that exist across our society and tend to widen as we age.

The responsibility to make the changes we need to make must lie with all of us, whether we run charities, businesses or government departments.

We very much welcome the announcement of a UK Longevity Council and a Business Champion for the Ageing Society and look forward to working together.

For years, the ILC has led the way in helping Government understand the potential of the longevity dividend. It will be wonderful to have these new influential voices alongside us as we take this work forward.“

Notes

The ILC is the UK’s specialist think tank on the impact of longevity on society, and what happens next.

The Government has today announced the appointment of the “UK Longevity Council” and a “Business Champion for the Ageing Society”

ILC-UK are working with Greater Manchester on how they can ensure that their local economy makes the most of the economic potential which comes with longevity.

The ILC-UK Future of Ageing conference in December will pull together industry, Government and other experts to identify how to guarantee the UK makes the most of the longevity dividend.”

www.ilcuk.org.uk

Contact

Lily Parsey: 07745 222 553 lilyparsey@ilcuk.org.uk

David Sinclair: 07543646992 davidsinclair@ilcuk.org.uk