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Age-Forward Economies: Enhancing Socio-Economic Development Through Brain Health and Community Resilience

SpeakerS:

Hannah Vaughan Jones, Director, Lewnah Ltd
Dr. Ashwin Vasan, Commissioner of Health, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Dr. Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP
Lars Hartenstein, Global Co-Leader, McKinsey Health Institute

“How do we then harness the wisdom, the power of healthy aging for all of our economic gain?” Hannah Vaughan Jones
“Brain health is social health, and we know that social connection, loneliness, and isolation are risk factors for more rapid progression of cognitive decline.” Dr. Ashwin Vasan
“In one of the fastest aging cities in the world, Seoul, they have a great matchmaking mechanism where older adults can find opportunities to engage... that's contributing to health, it's contributing to society, and it is contributing to brain health.” Lars Hartenstein
“The aging population is growing—we have more baby boomers aging—so the number is increasing but the rate is lower mostly because the baby boomers have higher education which is protective.” Dr. Debra Whitman

Key takeaways:

  • Early intervention for healthy aging: Investing in prevention before age 65 can significantly alter aging trajectories and reduce disease risk factors, such as Alxhemier´s and dementia, addressing around 70% of preventable deaths and contributing to extended lifespan and improved health span. 
  • Social connection is crucial for brain health: Social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for cognitive decline; building social infrastructure to foster connections can improve brain health among older adults. 
  • Economic impact of alzheimer’s disease is significant: Alzheimer’s and dementia are among the most expensive diseases, costing over $290 billion annually in the U.S, impacting families and healthcare systems, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures. 
  • Disparities in health outcomes must be addressed:  Racial and ethnic disparities exist in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, with higher percentages among African-American and Hispanic adults compared to white adults. 
  • Innovation and technology play a role in prevention and detection: Initiatives like the AD Detect and Prevent Project aim to revolutionize the detection, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s through digital cognitive assessments. 
  • Investment in prevention can reduce long-term healthcare costs: Shifting focus and investment towards preventive care can lead to healthier aging populations and reduce the unsustainable trajectory of healthcare spending, easing the economic burden on systems. 
  • Policy changes are needed to support healthy aging: Policies should focus on increasing access to care, reducing prescription drug costs, and improving social determinants of health like transportation and green spaces to protect future older adults and enhance their quality of life. 

Action items:

  • Invest in preventive health measures: Implement policies that promote early detection and prevention of diseases across all ages, shifting spending to focus on screenable cancers, cardiometabolic diseases, and mental health to improve healthspan and lifespan. 
  • Develop social infrastructure: Create community programs and spaces that encourage social interaction among older adults to combat loneliness and enhance brain health.
  • Address health disparities: Develop strategies to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes, particularly in diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia, through community-specific programs.  
  • Innovation in healthcare technology: Encourage public-private partnerships to advance technological solutions for early detection and prevention of cognitive decline, including digital cognitive assessments and other innovative tools to revolutionize Alzheimer’s detection and treatment. 
  • Shift healthcare spending towards prevention: Reallocate healthcare resources to prioritize preventive care, reducing long-term costs and improving quality of life for aging populations. 
  • Implement policies to reduce healthcare costs for older adults: Advocate for policies that lower prescription drug costs and expand access to affordable healthcare for older adults, addressing economic barriers to necessary care. 
  • Enhance support for social determinants of health: Invest in public health measures that improve transportation, green spaces, and access to healthy foods to support healthy aging and facilitate social engagement. 

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