A recent survey shows that in many countries across the world, people are generally living longer. But an increased life expectancy has many implications for the aging individuals and for the society as a whole. What are the possible effects of a longer life expectancy on individuals and the society?

Longer life expectancy is one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine and public health, but it changes the structure of families, labour markets and welfare systems. It can give individuals more years of active life, yet it also creates pressures around retirement, healthcare, social isolation and intergenerational responsibility.