A $10 trillion opportunity is here — the longevity revolution

We are living longer than ever before.

- Tan Min Lan

In 2024, 830 million people globally were over the age of 65; by 2050, the United Nations expects this figure to nearly double to 1.6 billion. Asia particularly faces a seismic shift by World Economic Forum estimates, one in four people will be over 60 by 2050, three times that in 2010.

This "super-ageing" of societies is a testament to human progress, fuelled by biotech breakthroughs, medical advances and rising living standards. Yet, while people are living longer, healthy longevity is not keeping pace, posing long-term challenges for productivity, healthcare systems and social support infrastructure.

As populations age, this longevity boom is set to reshape demand across economic segments. For investors, we estimate that this could present a US$8 trillion (S$10.7 trillion) opportunity by 2030, up from US$5.3 trillion today. We see two major investment categories: "drivers", which extend lifespan and reduce age-related diseases through advanced treatments, and "beneficiaries", which capitalise on shifting demographics.

HEART OF THE MATTER THE DRIVERS

In terms of the science of living longer, companies advancing longevity span pharma and biotech, medical devices, and healthcare services.