Jan Vapaavuori

The City for All Ages: Harnessing the Promise of Longevity

James Anderson, Dan Buettner, Carol Coletta, Rodney Slater, Jan Vapaavuori, Jim Anderson

Leading urban experts and policymakers converge to address the unprecedented demographic shift where the global population over 65 now exceeds those under 5 by advocating for built environment interventions over individual behavioral changes. Drawing on longevity strategies from Blue Zones and Helsinki's intergenerational housing models, the panel proposes that mayors and civic leaders actively redesign cities to make healthy choices the default option through walkability, social integration, and regulatory nudge policies. These initiatives aim to transform the "silver economy" into a catalyst for civic innovation, ensuring that aging populations remain healthy, employed, and socially connected while reducing the strain on healthcare systems.