A change in deeply entrenched beliefs about ageing and health is urgently needed. Many still view ageing as an inevitable decline rather than a process that can be actively managed” “
A CALL TO ACTION
Healthspan is an economic imperative: It is not just another item on the healthcare agenda, but the key to unlocking future economic prosper- ity. Delivering healthspan is not free, but it can provide significant returns. A more detailed and comprehen- sive evaluation of the benefits of healthspan is essential to convince policymakers and mobilise capital. It will also be important for developing countries to create the fiscal space necessary for investment. Effective advocacy is needed for acceleration: A change in deeply entrenched beliefs about aging and health is urgently needed. Many still view ageing as an inevitable decline rather than a process that can be actively managed. By shifting the focus to societal and economic implications, we can foster a meaningful dialogue that recognises healthspan as a cornerstone of public health and economic policy, unlocking its full potential. This will require healthspan advocates to reach out to an entirely new set of stakeholders. In engaging this wider public, the evidence- based healthspan community faces a significant challenge. It must address the noise coming from those in the broader longevity space, which oversells the promises of what is still a very nascent field. Sticking to evidence-based information when advocating for healthspan is, therefore, crucial to the credibility of the movement.
doubled in 2024 to $7.3 billion, and average deal sizes have risen by 77% since 2020. Public demand is also surging, with two-thirds of medical professionals reporting regular patient inquiries about healthspan interventions. But despite these encouraging signals, the field remains severely under-invested compared to the scale of the challenge. THE PATH FORWARD Realising the potential of healthspan will not happen by chance. It requires systemic action across research, investment, policy and public engagement. Governments must create the fiscal and regulatory space to accelerate progress. Investors must step in to fund the transition from lab to market. Policymakers must integrate healthspan into public health strategies with an emphasis on prevention and equity. And crucially, advocacy must remain grounded in evidence. Too often, the broader ʻlongevityʼ conversation is clouded by exaggerated claims that risk undermining credibility. To maintain trust, the healthspan movement must speak with clarity, humility and rigour. At Hevolution, our goal is to catalyse, not dominate, this field. In fact, true success will be evident when, five years from now, our $400 million allocation appears small in comparison to a
thriving global ecosystem of funders, innovators, and policymakers committed to advancing healthspan at scale. CONCLUSION Healthspan is about ensuring that the years people already live are healthier, more purposeful and more fulfilling. It is about creating societies where older adults can remain active and connected, while economies benefit from the contributions of healthier populations. At Hevolution, our vision is to lead and help spark a global movement. True accomplishment will be when the collective investment, innovation and ambition of the world far surpass our own, making healthspan a universal priority embedded into science, health care, and policy. The opportunity before us is extraordinary. Together, we can build a future where ageing well is not the privilege of a few but a shared reality for everyone, everywhere. As a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia–led global initiative, Hevolution is proud to lead this effort, ensuring that Saudi leadership contributes to a healthier and more prosperous future for all humanity.▪
Health: A Political Choice – The Future of Health in a Fractured World 17
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