With the simultaneous fall of fertility rates and uptick in longevity, demographic change is becoming one of the most fundamental evolutions of our century. By 2030, it is estimated that there will be more people over the age of 60 than children younger than 10. This worldwide phenomenon has deep social and economic implications. The most prevalent Aging narratives until now have been alarmist, largely portraying Seniors as burdens on our social systems and further entrenching aging as a taboo topic.
Yet, these societal shifts represent unique opportunities to shape the future of humanity. The world’s leading social entrepreneurs focused on Aging – roughly 60 Ashoka Fellows thus far – have already identified three main intervention points that drastically improve our experience of aging. Their solutions radically reimagine: aging culture; seniors’ contributions to society; and how seniors are cared for.
Guided by these and future insights, Next Now: Aging aims to change the course of history by uniting leaders around audacious goals that promote intergenerational harmony, dignity and purpose for all seniors. Together, this ecosystem of visionary changemakers will build a brighter future. A future that addresses and anticipates our most urgent aging challenges. A future in which no one gets left behind. Because the world is changing fast and the time to act is Now.
In the coming months, the Next Now/Aging team will be assembling a team of visionary co-creators who will shape an ambitious vision for the field and narrow in on an initial set of audacious goals to team up around. Stay tuned for more details.
