Welcome
Isabelle Gillespie, Head of Programmes,
ILC-UK
@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

The ILC Europe Network
•Launched in December
2021 to address
longevity and
population ageing in
Europe.
•115 members from 94
organisations across 20
countries.
@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

Keynote speech
Dubravka Šuica, European Commission Vice-
President, Democracy and Demography
@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Session 1: Prevention in an ageing Europe:
How can we use preventative health
interventions to live longer lives?
Dr Eleftheria Giannouli, ETH Zurich

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Prevention in Europe: How well does the EU
perform on preventing ill health and
supporting longer lives?
Arunima Himawan, ILC-UK

@ilcuk
#PreventionIndex preventionindex.org
Healthy
Ageing and
Prevention
Index
1. Life span: The number of
years an individual can expect
to live.
2. Health span: The number of
years an individual can expect
to spend in good health.
3. Work span: The expected
number of years spent being
economically active between
ages 15-65.
4. Income: The measure
of GDP per capita, using
purchasing power parity
(ppp) ($ 000s).
5. Environmental performance:
This is measured using the Yale
Environmental Performance Index
(EPI) which positions countries on
a scale of 0 to 100 (100=best).
6. Happiness: Taken from the
annual Gallup World Poll,
happiness positions countries on
a scale of 0-10. Scores of 0-4 are
interpreted as “suffering”, 5-7 as
“struggling”, and 8-10 as
“thriving”.

@ilcuk
The top 50
countries on
the Index

@ilcuk
Only top 1%
of world
population is
best adapted
to longer,
healthier
lives.
With an average population
of only 8.4 million, the top 10
countries account for only
1.1% of the world’s
population.

@ilcuk
#PreventionIndex
preventionindex.org
There is a 24-year
gap in life span (life
expectancy) between
the top and bottom
10 countries.
There is a 21-year gap
in health span (healthy
life expectancy)
between the top and
bottom 10 countries.
in work span (working
life expectancy)
between the top and
bottom 10 countries.
Our analysis
finds that there
are significant
inequalities
between
countries.
There is an 8-year gap
in life span (life
expectancy) between
the top and bottom
countries.
There is a 6-year gap in
health span (healthy life
expectancy) between the
top and bottom
countries.
in work span (working
life expectancy)
between the top and
bottom countries.
GLOBAL
EU

@ilcuk
Our Index shows
that the EU ranks
3rd across 9
political and
economic country
blocs.
blocs

@ilcuk
Life expectancy
is lower in East
Europe than
in West Europe.
Sweden
Greece
Bulgaria
Czechia
Cyprus
Croatia

@ilcuk
The NCD
burden is
greater in East
Europe than in
West Europe.
Sweden
Czechia
Bulgaria
Greece
Cyprus
Croatia

@ilcuk
Spending more
on prevention
and
immunisation
improves your
Index ranking.
EU 27

@ilcuk
Countries that
spend a higher
proportion of their
health budgets
on prevention
perform better
on the Index.
A

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Case study:
Using life course immunisation to prevent ill
health across Europe
Anna van Renen, ILC-UK

Life course immunisation is vital…
• We’re ageing: over 20% of people in the EU are aged
65 or older.
• Vaccination helps us remain in good health.
• Immunisation saves lives and allows populations to live
additional years free from disability.

…but it’s not being utilised
• Uptake for adult vaccination is generally low around
Europe, despite the clear benefits it has.
• Annual adult flu vaccinations would save European
healthcare systems between €248 and €332 million.
• The varicella-zoster virus costs the EU €660 million per
year.

We have completed two studies on
vaccination in Europe
• Shifting the narrative: Inspiring
increased vaccine confidence across
Central and Eastern Europe
• Interviews and roundtables with expert
stakeholders from 11 countries
• Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia,
Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,
Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia

We have completed two studies on
vaccination in Europe
• Painfully unaware: Improving older
people’s understanding of shingles
vaccination in an ageing society
• Survey of 3,613 people aged 50+ in 9
countries
• Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy,
Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and UK

There are extreme geographic
disparities

1. Cultural, social and historical factors
change how we view vaccination
• Previous governments have impacted confidence and
trust in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Francoist rule in Spain left a different impact on
vaccine trust and confidence.
• Prioritisation of vaccination is higher in West and
Southern Europe.

2. Communication encourages
vaccination uptake
In Central and Eastern Europe:
Government Healthcare services
Citizens

2. Communication encourages
vaccination uptake

3. Health literacy encourages trust and
uptake

3. Health literacy encourages trust and
uptake
• There’s low health literacy, education and vaccination
awareness.
• We need to start educating from childhood.

Recommendations to combat these
challenges include…
• Increased investment in prevention
• Inspiring and engaging the general population
• Democratising access to prevention
• Supporting the effective use of technology

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Panel discussion and Q&A
Arunima Himawan,
ILC-UK
Anna van Renen,
ILC-UK
Dr Alessandro
Gallina, EPHA
Sibilia Quilici,
Vaccines Europe
Dr Barbara
Bekavac,
Croatian Insitute
of Public Health

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Group session:
Higher or Lower? ILC Healthy Ageing and
Prevention Index quiz
Arunima Himawan, ILC-UK

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Can you correctly guess
the following five
questions relating to
statistics from the
Healthy Ageing and
Prevention Index?

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
1. Who are the highest and lowest
ranked in the EU27 for healthy ageing?

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
1st
27th

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
2. Which EU country has a) the highest &
lowest life expectancy and b) the
highest & lowest healthy life
expectancy?

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
1st
(life span)
1st
(health
span)
27th
(life span)
27th
(health
span)

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
3. Who has a higher work span: the EU
or African Union?

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
EU: 28.6 years AU: 29.5 years

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
4. Which continent has more countries
with global number 1 spots:
Asia or Europe?

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Europe: 3 countries
Denmark – Environment
Finland – Happiness
Luxembourg – Income
Asia: 2 countries
Cambodia – Work span
Japan – Life span &
Health span
…but it’s a draw on the amount of number 1 spots

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
5. Who has the highest and lowest adult
(65+) influenza vaccination rate in the
EU?

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Denmark (75%)
EU (44%)
Bulgaria (6%)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Influenza
coverage,
65+
(%,
2020)
Index ranking

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Bonus round: If healthy ageing was an
Olympic sport, how would your country
perform?
www.ilcuk.org.uk/going-for-gold/

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Session 2: The European longevity dividend:
Maximising the economic opportunities of
longevity
Prof Dr Alfonso Sousa-Poza,
University of Hohenheim

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Age-friendly cities in Europe: How can we
create better urban environments that
support healthy ageing and older
economies?
Dr Daniela Weber, International Institute
for Applied Systems Analysis

Age-friendly cities in Europe:
How do we create better urban environments that support healthy
ageing and older economies?
Dr. Daniela WEBER (IIASA)
ILC-UK Event, Brussels 2024

48
Aging – demographic transition
Source: Wittgenstein Centre Data Explorer
2015 2050

49
Urbanization - 1990
Source: World Urbanization Prospects. The 2018 Revision
• future of humanity is urban

50
Urbanization - 2018
Source: World Urbanization Prospects. The 2018 Revision; HelpAge International, Ageing and the City 2016
• global city population share
doubled
1950: 25%
2020: 50%

Source: World Urbanization Prospects. The 2018 Revision; HelpAge International, Ageing and the City 2016
51
Urbanization - 2030
• global city population share
doubled
1950: 25%
2020: 50%
• in 2050: 66%

in cities: 65+ healthier
good health in 2021:
43% in cities
41% nat. average
52
Health opportunities of urbanization & aging
Source: Eurostat

53
55yr old live at least 9 more yr
work less than 6yr (except for
Prague)
HLE varies across cities
Source: Eurostat, SHARE, own calculation
Economic opportunities of urbanization & aging
men’s partial life expectancies between age 55-65

54
8yr+ with good cognition
8yr+ with good physical health

55
8yr+ with good cognition
8yr+ with good physical health
potential for economic activity

56 Source: Eurostat, SHARE, own calculation
women’s partial life expectancies between age 55-65
similar health potential to men
less remaining econ. active years
potential for economic activity

Western Europe and
Northeast Asia:
almost 60% of
consumption growth by
60+
57 SOURCE: McKinsey Global Institute Cityscope; McKinsey Global Institute analysis
consumption growth 2015-2030 (in %)

economic: urban life is expensive
social: negative ageist stereotypes, social isolation
spatial: inaccessible spaces and services
environmental: poor air quality, heat islands
58
Challenges of urbanization & aging

59
Challenges of urbanization & aging
today 500m 65+ in towns/cities (58%)
by 2050: about 1 billion
economic: urban life is expensive
social: negative ageist stereotypes, social isolation
spatial: inaccessible spaces and services
environmental: poor air quality, heat islands
SOURCE: HelpAge International, Ageing and the City 2016

economic: new technologies and innovations, development of a white sector, leisure activities
social: service for older people by older people in voluntary networks
spatial: accessible spaces (walkability of neighborhood), close proximity to public services
environmental: friendly places, modify existing homes, urban climate change adaptation
60
Opportunities of urbanization & aging

61
Creating age-friendly cities and communities
Source: WHO. Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide; WHO: Geneva 2007
“An age-friendly city or community is health
promoting and designed for diversity, inclusion,
and cohesion, including across all ages and
capacities.” (WHO)

62
Creating age-friendly cities and communities
contact: weberd@iiasa.ac.at
“An age-friendly city or community is health
promoting and designed for diversity, inclusion,
and cohesion, including across all ages and
capacities.” (WHO)

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
The effect of personal finances on the
longevity mindset: Why is saving for later
life important for living longer lives?
Colin Sanders, Indiville
& Hasselt University

ILC
2024-03-06
Colin Sanders
The effect of personal finances on the
longevity mindset
Why is saving for later life important for living longer lives?

65
Longevity
Research
Overview
Research population
• 18-79
• Representative sample per country
• N≥ 1000 per country
Survey methodology: quantitative survey via
online panels
Timeline data collection: 2023-01-20 to 2023-02-
20
11585
respondents
🗣
Online survey
18’ 40’’
🕒
Maximum
margin of
error
Total: ± 0.9%
Country: : ± 3.1%
🔧
11 countries
Colin Sanders
Partner
colin@indiville.be
+32(0)477 500 593
🗣

67
The longevity mindset is a positive and proactive
approach to living a long and healthy life.

68
Longevity mindset
Longevity risk
Enough time
left to make
new plans
Celebrating change
Confidence
Preparednes
s
Power over the
ageing process
The larger the circle, the more powerful the effect will be.

44% 44%
39%
60%
50%
38%
20%
47%
39%
73%
42%
33%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Total BE CZ ES GR HU JP NL PL RO SK TR
Life expectancy is increasing.
To what extent do you think you are prepared for a long life?
2023
69
The more prepared they feel, the more they want to live long, and vice versa.
People in RO, ES, GR feel most prepared for a long life, JP and TR least.
52% look forward to a long life.
44% feel prepared to live a long life
% Completely + % A lot

70
Difference between longevity and mortality risk
The risk of living longer than
expected may result in outliving
one's savings and other assets.
This can lead to financial strain due to extended
healthcare costs and the need for longer-term
income.
Longevity risk
The risk of dying sooner than
expected may affect family, loved
ones or financial planning.
It may cause dependents financial hardship and
require life insurance or other financial planning.
Mortality risk
Longevity and mortality risk are fundamental considerations in retirement
planning. They represent opposite scenarios in which an individual either
lives longer or dies earlier than statistically expected, with clear financial and

71
11% say they are well protected from the
longevity risk. Another 31% believe they
are on the safe side as well.
40% won’t make it financially if they live too
long (the longevity risk).
18% have no idea.
The perceived longevity risk is the lowest in
NL (21%) and the highest in JP (59%).
The more protected from longevity risk, the
more one wants to live longer.
Perceived longevity risk

72
Finances have the biggest impact on longevity mindset
The bigger the circles, the stronger the effect.
PLS-SEM model on the longevity 2023 data with
the longevity construct as outcome and controlled
for country, age, gender, education and working
Learning
Purpose
Meaning
Social
Ties
Health
Power
to
change
Personal
Finances
Longevity
mindset
Personal finances, the purpose
and meaning of life, and
physical, emotional and mental
health have a strong influence
on the longevity mindset,
followed by three key drivers:
continuous learning, the ability
to change and social
connections.

73
Levers & solutions
Personal Finances: security and serenity
Growing financial
stability
Secure
financial
future
Financially savvy
Financial
Frustration
Financial
satisfaction
The larger the circle, the more powerful the effect will be.
Learning
Purpose
Meaning
Social
Ties
Health
Power to
change
Personal
Finances
Longevity
mindset

5.6
5.4
5.2
6.1
6.0
5.5
4.1
6.0
5.5
6.5
5.3
5.8
5.2 5.3 5.4
5.1
4.8 4.9
4.5
6.0
5.3
5.7
4.9
5.6
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
Total BE CZ ES GR HU JP NL PL RO SK TR Total BE CZ ES GR HU JP NL PL RO SK TR
Chart Title
74
Longevity mindset and finances
By country
Longevity mindset Longevity finances
Numbers in blue are averages on 10. The highlighted data labels indicate the most relevant differences.
As a rule of thumb, differences greater than 0.3 for averages are significantly different..

75
Longevity mindset and underlying factors
By savings – Large differences depending on how much saved.
The biggest difference is in securing financial future.
Longevity mindset Longevity finances
Key indicators
6.0 6.1
66%
53%
79%
59%
77%
58%
6.5
78%
69%
22%
53%
73%
5.4
40%
37%
5.1
4.3
37%
41%
69%
70%
50%
70%
37%
4.1
67%
16%
59%
Longevity
Mindset
Personal
Finances
Manage
longevity risk
Preparedness Celebrating
change
Enough time
left to make
new plans
Confidence Power over
the ageing
process
Growing
financial
stability
Financial
satisfaction
Financially
savvy
Secure
financial future
Financial
frustration
More than 6 months savings 3 to 6 months savings Less of no savings
How long can you last with your savings if you receive no income of any kind
whatsoever at all?
Numbers in blue are averages on 10. The highlighted data labels indicate the most relevant differences.
As a rule of thumb, differences greater than 0.3 for averages or greater than 3% for percentages are significantly different.

47
60
56
86
74
47
61
58
91
81
46
63
59
100
87
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
Current age Desired labour
exit age
Effective labour
exit age
Desired age of
death
Expected age of
death
Average
Age
(40-100)
Low Medium High
76
The longevity mindset score was divided into
three equal groups.
Those with high scores reported higher desired
and actual retirement ages and higher desired
and subjective life expectancies.
Longevity mindset (low to high)
Average retirement and mortality age
The group with a higher longevity mindset score
wants to work 3 years longer and live 14 years
longer than the opposite group.

77
We asked retirees if their life today is financially
in line with their living standards before
retirement. This question goes beyond the state
pension and covers what they have saved
during their lives.
9% are even better off (most likely because they
have access to their second-pilar savings).
40% say they live, financially speaking, the
same life as before. This means that 49% are
having a comfortable retirement.
37% are worse off but can still manage.
14% have financial difficulties.
Do retirees have a
comfortable retirement?

78
Pensioners are more likely to underestimate life expectancy (54%) than
overestimate it (40%).
Those who think they will die earlier than average also retire earlier on average.
Respondents who think they will live longer than average also save more, plan
financially for longer and manage longevity risk better.
Subjective life expectancy
Retirees

79
The longevity mindset is a positive and proactive approach to living a long
and healthy life.
It is based on the following beliefs and attitudes:
• Longevity is attainable.
• Longevity risk can be managed.
• A commitment to healthy living and proactive preparation for a long life.
• A positive outlook on life and life transitions.
• A willingness to learn and adapt.
• The ageing process can be slowed down.
• Individuals have the power to shape their life.
Conclusions
Longevity mindset
Prepared
-ness
Longevity
risk
Enough
time left
to make
new
plans
Celebrating
change
Confi
-
denc
e
Power over the
ageing process

Effective management of personal finances serves as a catalyst, providing
security and serenity, which in turn enables us to pursue our desires and
interest, navigate through life transitions and make choices freely throughout a
long life.
Personal finances can have a significant impact on the longevity mindset
during life transitions.
Financial education is as essential for middle-aged and older people as it is for
students. Pre-retirees and those approaching retirement need to be better
informed about the risks of retirement and longevity.
Conclusions
Personal Finances
Financial
satisfaction
Growing
financial
stability
Secure
financial
future
Financially
savvy
Frustration

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Dr Daniela Weber,
IIASA
Colin Sanders,
Indiville &
Hasselt
University
Mirzha de
Manuel,
European
Commission
Sarah Loriato,
AGE Platform
Europe

Coffee break
@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Session 3: Bridging the intergenerational
gap: How can we bring different generations
across Europe together?
Philippe Seidel, AGE Platform Europe

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Volunteering and grandparenting in Europe:
The social and economic value of older
people’s voluntary contributions
Prof Dr Nico De Witte,
Belgian Ageing Studies

Volunteering and grandparenting in
Europe: The social and economic value
of older people’s voluntary contributions
Prof dr Nico De Witte
ILC Europe Network event
Brussels
March 6th 2024

2002: Setting the scene
• Belgium:
• Incipient awareness of the challenges of aging
• Preparation of a decree that stimulates (financially) to implement specific
policies for the aged (Flanders)
• Communities
• Policy for the aged rather narrow
• Care, nursing homes,….
• No experience nor insights into the needs older community dwelling older
people

Belgian Ageing Studies: "For seniors, by seniors”
• Research into local older people’s needs by a University is too
expensive
• Peer research methodology: involving older volunteers
• Development phase:
• identifying and finalizing topics for the questionnaire
• Operational phase:
• Co-researchers
• As member of a local steering committee, installed to keep track of the research
• As recruiter for interviewers
• As interviewer

Belgian Ageing Studies: "For seniors, by seniors”
- in detail
• Community
• Stratified sample (gender, age 60-69,70-
79,80+) of 400 respondents (at random)
• ±10 questionnaires per
interviewer/volunteer
• Min 40 interviewer/volunteer per
community
• 2023: 200 communities,
89344 respondents ± 9000 volunteers

Benefits of the involvement of older people in
the Belgian Ageing Studies
• Sense of ownership
• Engagement during research
• Higher first response rate (min 65% (Brussels), no. 80-85%)
• Engagement after research finished:
• Contribution to shape senior policies (focus groups, expert panels,….)
• Stay involved in community (volunteering, senior advisory boards, …)
• Without being a member of a local seniors associations

The cycle of giving: Seniors and community
benefits
• Volunteering

Volunteering in Belgium?
24.2%
20.5%
22.2%
2020 2022 2023
Volunteering: weekly (n=8608)

Volunteering in Belgium?
3.4
3.0
3.6
2020 2022 2023
Volunteering hours/week (n=8608)

A simple calculation for 2023
• 1.888.794 60+
• 22,2% is doing volunteering on a weekly basis
• 419.312 60+
• 3,6h/w *52
• 78.495.257 hours of volunteering a year

benefits
• Volunteering
• Grandparenting

Grandparenting in Belgium?
41.8%
36.3% 38.3%
2020 2022 2023
Grandparenting: weekly (n=8608)

Grandparenting in Belgium?
8.6
6.7
7.6
2020 2022 2023
Grandparenting hours/week (n8608)

A simple calculation
• 1.888.794 60+
• 38,3% is doing grandparenting on a weekly basis
• 723408 60+
• 7,6h/w *52
• 285.890.882 hours of grandparenting a year

benefits
• Volunteering
• Grandparenting
• Informal care

Informal care in Belgium?
36.0%
29.5% 30.0%
2020 2022 2023
Informal care: weekly (n=8608)

7.8
4.3
5.8
2020 2022 2023
Informal care hours/week (n=8606)

A simple calculation
• 1.888.794 60+
• 30,0% is doing informal care on a weekly basis
• 566638 60+
• 5,8h/w *52
• 170.898.081 hours of informal care a year

Sum up
Hours/year 11,07€/hour*
Volunteering 1278.495.257 €868.942.495
Grandparenting 1285.890.882 €3.164.812.064
Informal care 2170.898.081 €1.891.841.757
Total €5.925.596.316
Belgium GDP 2022 % of GDP
€552.446.400.000 ± 1,07%
* Mimimum wage in Belgium 2024

Conclusion
• Population ageing
• is a new, unprecedented phenomenon
• Is seen as a drain on resources, a threat to economy,…
• Tackled by time-worn solutions
• However
• Victory over nature
• Older people:
• substantial contribution to society:
• volunteering, grandparenting and informal caregiving (figures shown are an underestimation)
• contribute to the economy by spending on goods, services, travel,….
• Given the challenges posed by population ageing, it is important to cherish, value
and recognise these contributions

Take home message
Adopting an evidence-based perspective on ageing is critical to
appreciate its diverse social and economic contributions and
dismantling harmful stereotypes. This shift is crucial, as it will allows
to recognize the full value of older people - both economically and as
engaged members of society.

Thank you
nico.dewitte@hogent.be
nico.de.witte@vub.be

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
How can cultural activities between
different generations support people’s
health and wellbeing as they age?
Monica Urian, European Commission

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
Prof Dr Nico De
Witte, Belgian
Ageing Studies
Monica Urian,
European
Commission
Dr Kateřina
Macháčová, ILC-
Czech Republic
Charlotte
Thibault, EPSA

@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org
What happens next? Establishing the key
priorities for the 2024-29 European
Parliament and Commission
Patrick Swain, ILC Europe Network

Closing remarks
Isabelle Gillespie, Head of Programmes,
ILC-UK
@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

Thank you
Continue the conversation:
Ginette Bar, Place du Luxembourg
@ILC_Europe
www.ilc-europe.org

06March24 ILC Europe Network slides.pptx

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