Anti-aging and the economy: When eternal youth intervenes with our economy

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 1, 2022

Insight summary

The pursuit of longevity has evolved into a scientific quest to understand and slow the aging process, driven by the healthcare challenges of an aging global population. This research, fueled by investments from various sectors including technology and academia, aims to reduce age-related diseases and extend the period of life spent in good health. However, as anti-aging technologies advance, they could reshape societal structures, from labor markets and retirement plans to consumer habits and urban planning.

Anti-aging and economy context

The quest for longevity has been a constant theme throughout human history, and in the modern era, this pursuit has taken a scientific turn. Researchers across the globe are delving into the mysteries of aging, seeking ways to slow down or even halt the process known as senescence - the biological term for growing old. This scientific endeavor is not merely a vanity project; it is a response to the mounting healthcare challenges that come with an aging population. By 2027, it is estimated that the worldwide market for anti-aging research and treatments will reach a staggering USD 14.22 billion, reflecting the urgency and scale of this global health issue.

The interest in anti-aging research is not confined to the scientific community. High-profile executives from the world of technology and software are also recognizing the potential of this field and are investing substantial amounts of capital into it. Their involvement is not only providing much-needed funding but also bringing a fresh perspective and innovative approach to the research. Meanwhile, academic institutions are conducting clinical trials, seeking to uncover new treatments that could mitigate the effects of aging or even prevent it altogether.

The primary goal of anti-aging research is to reduce the risk of age-related diseases by preventing the aging of human cells. One promising avenue of research involves the use of metformin, a medication typically used to manage Type II Diabetes. Researchers are exploring the potential of metformin to protect against a range of diseases associated with aging, with the hope that it could extend not just lifespan but also healthspan - the period of life spent in good health. 

Disruptive impact

According to the World Health Organization, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the global population over 60 years old will nearly double from 12 percent to 22 percent. By 2030, one out of every six individuals globally will be at least 60 years old. As this population ages, the desire (for a significant percentage of this population) to feel young again is likely to intensify. 

In the US, a person turning 65 will spend about $142,000 to $176,000 on long-term care during their lifetime. But, with advances in anti-aging technology, citizens could potentially stay healthy longer as they age and continue with their lives more independently. Potentially, this could push the retirement age back, as older adults become more capable and continue to work longer. 

This innovation can have a significant economic payoff, as businesses will develop more technological innovations to cater to the needs of people as they grow older. And for countries projected to suffer from an aging workforce, anti-aging therapies could keep their workforce productive for additional decades.  However, interventions, such as anti-aging, do not come without a cost; they can exacerbate pre-existing inequalities as it provides the rich with the opportunity to live and grow their wealth for additional decades, expanding the gap between the rich and the poor. 

Implications of anti-aging and the economy

Wider implications of anti-aging and the economy may include:

• An increase in the working age, resulting in a shift in labor market dynamics with older individuals remaining active contributors to the economy for longer periods.


• The rise in demand for anti-aging treatments stimulating economic growth in the healthcare sector, leading to the creation of new jobs and services tailored to the needs of an aging population.


• Individuals delaying retirement, leading to changes in pension schemes and retirement planning strategies.


• The development of new technologies in the medical field, leading to advancements in personalized medicine and healthcare delivery systems.


• A shift in consumer spending patterns, with more resources allocated to health and wellness products and services.


• Changes in urban planning and housing policies, with a greater emphasis on creating age-friendly environments.


• Changes in education systems, with a greater emphasis on lifelong learning and skill development to accommodate extended working lives.


• Increased scrutiny and regulation by governments, leading to new policies aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of anti-aging treatments.

Questions to consider

• Could prolonging lifespans help domestic economies or would such therapies just lessen the job opportunities for the younger generation?


• How can this scientific development affect the growing divide between the rich and the poor?