Politics and Health Care

The Seven Continents: Preparing For Longevity and the Triumph of Survival

Wednesday, December 5, 2007— Its been said that the developing world will grow old before it grows rich, while the developed world grew rich before it grew old.

In keeping with that theory, and as part of the Gerontological Society of America's 60th Annual Scientific Meeting, ILC-USA President & CEO Robert N. Butler, M.D. delivered the compelling keynote speech entitled: "The Seven Continents: Preparing for Longevity and the Triumph of Survival."

Striking Inequalities and Common Concerns

The lecture focused on the geopolitics of aging and the striking inequalities of longevity around the world. Even so, there are strikingly similar cross-national challenges and concerns, including:

• Can we afford older people?
• Will old age bring about economic stagnation?
• Will there be intergenerational conflicts?
• Will gerontocracies develop?
• Will old people crowd out children?

In fact, effective adjustments have already been made to help meet these challenges, but to continue to do so, Dr. Butler argues that those in gerontology and medicine need to accept the responsibility to educate society and decision-makers.

Where We Go From Here

Nations have much to learn from one another in the pursuit of knowledge about aging, economics, social issues, and health. Butler impressed upon the audience how important it is to become more politically active to advance the lot of the developing world. In short, global strategies are needed to address global challenges.

Related Links: Download The Seven Continents (.pdf) Lecture

Keywords: politics, health care, financing longevity

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