Dr. Neeraja Nagarajan, MD, MPH - McKinsey Health Institute

Dr. Neeraja Nagarajan from the McKinsey Health Institute discusses a new report, emphasizing the ethical and economic imperatives of investing in healthy longevity. The conversation highlights that increasing lifespan should coincide with healthier living. The report reframes aging as an opportunity, not a crisis, and identifies several avenues for investment beyond healthcare, including societal participation and addressing social determinants of health. The surprising finding of positive ROI in developing countries like Saudi, India, and Nigeria is noted, as well as the impact of societal participation (employment, lifelong learning, volunteering). The discussion underscores the importance of supporting older adults who want to work, citing significant GDP implications. Dr. Nagarajan expresses excitement about longevity science and building an age-inclusive workforce, addressing ageism in the workplace. The key is to enable choices, not enforce work, and to offer mechanisms to support those who wish to remain active.