Summary: This document introduces how a systemic approach called "Live Longer Better" is being developed to turn the challenges of population aging into positive outcomes. The main goals are extending healthspan, closing social disparities, and reducing the need for health and social care services. To achieve these goals, diverse partner networks, scientific evidence, and education and engagement programs are being pursued.
1. Population Aging and New Challenges
In 2023, England's Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty clearly outlined the challenges that population aging will bring in his annual report "Health in an Ageing Society." Many people feel this problem approaches like an "unstoppable tidal wave," but that is not actually the case.
On March 12, 2024, NHS Medical Director Sir Steve Powis and Director of Public Health Dr. Sarah Price officially launched the "Living Longer Better" system. With the shared understanding that the NHS alone cannot solve this multifaceted problem, the message was clear that collaboration with multiple agencies is essential. In June, the Health and Social Care Committee launched a formal inquiry into the role of exercise in improving the health and wellbeing of older people.
"Our mission is to help people live longer, better."
2. Healthspan, Social Disparities, and the Need for a "Revolution"
The population aged 70 and over is projected to increase significantly over the next decade, but the outlook for "living longer in good health" is not promising with current approaches. Such changes will inevitably place significant strain on health and social care services. But there's no need for despair! According to current strong scientific evidence, we can reduce the risk of falls, dementia, disability, and frailty. Consequently, this can substantially reduce the need for health and welfare services across society.
For example, for every year of healthspan extended for 1 million people, the NHS can save approximately 45 million pounds. Simple service reorganization or privatization won't achieve this goal -- a genuine revolution is needed.
3. The Power of Integrated Systems and Networks
This revolutionary change is being realized through creating a single integrated system where multiple services and organizations naturally collaborate. This system applies the concept of Complex Adaptive Systems.
"Non-linear systems are considered complex because their behaviour is determined to a large extent by localised interactions between the parts. When these systems can evolve, they are known as complex adaptive systems." -- Rihani, S (2002)
This integrated system is driven by AgeUK, Active Partnerships, the NHS, local government, religious and voluntary organizations, businesses, and above all, older people themselves, operating at the local level. Another shared goal is the fight against ageism -- social prejudice against older people. Cultural change is being driven to highlight the talents and potential of older people and reduce barriers to their social contribution.
This system works complementarily with NHS England's "Ageing Well" programme, with particular emphasis on shifting the entire population health curve, not just targeting high-risk groups.
"Shift the Whole Population Curve" -- Geoffrey Rose, epidemiologist
It also points out that many young people today are experiencing physical decline and psychological problems, so this approach must be applied across the entire lifespan.
4. The Ultimate Goals and Key Challenges of "Live Longer Better"
The three core goals are:
- Extending healthspan and compressing the period of dependency
- Closing social disparities (the healthspan gap between rich and poor)
- Reducing demand for health and welfare services
The detailed objectives for achieving these include:
- Preventing and mitigating isolation
- Improving physical capability and healthspan
- Correcting negative perceptions of aging
- Engaging older people from diverse backgrounds in leadership
- Creating environments that help realize potential
- Strengthening sense of purpose and supporting caregivers
- Minimizing the impact of poverty
- Preventing and managing dementia and chronic diseases
- Optimizing resources
- Including both "wellbeing" and "dying well" within scope
All information and knowledge about this system is publicly available to both the general public and professionals through the website (www.howtolivelongerbetter.net).
5. Practical Change: Education and Engagement Programs
The core strategy of this movement is primarily education (learning) and engagement programs. The focus is not on technology itself but on encouraging people to think and act in new ways.
- Learning: Targets everyone -- older people, families, professionals, volunteers, and policymakers. Practical knowledge transfer takes place through small interactive online groups.
- Engagement: Enables not only individuals but also local communities and digital networks to contribute to improving society.
"We believe everyone can contribute to making society better."
6. Scientific Evidence and Information Archive
By properly utilizing the scientific knowledge and practical experience we currently possess, most older people can live longer in good health. This "library" focuses on three modifiable factors:
- Loss of fitness
- Disease (particularly when overlapping with declining physical capability)
- Social and environmental factors (poverty, discriminatory attitudes, etc.)
The important message is that most serious problems (disability, frailty, dementia, dependency, etc.) are not caused by inevitable aging but by these factors being left unmanaged. This archive is accessible to everyone for problem prevention and mitigation.
7. Administration and Governance
Learning materials, evidence-based data, practice guides, and resources for this program are always available with the latest information through: The official website (https://www.howtolivelongerbetter.net) and The science and evidence page (https://www.livelongerbetter.uk/science--evidence.html).
Conclusion
"Live Longer Better" is not simply about extending lifespan but about a social transformation where all generations work together to live meaningful and dignified lives. The core of this strategy is that everyone must learn together, take action, and stay connected to create an environment where growing older opens up more opportunities and possibilities.