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The economic value of targeting aging.
Andrew J Scott1, Martin Ellison2, David A Sinclair3
1Department of Economics, London Business School, London, UK. ascott@london.edu.
Nature Aging
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Focusing on healthy aging and compressing morbidity offers greater economic value than simply extending life expectancy. Targeting the aging process itself yields larger economic gains than eradicating specific diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Economics
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Rising life expectancy and focus on healthy aging prompt economic and scientific questions.
- Debate exists on prioritizing healthspan (compressing morbidity) versus lifespan (extending life).
- The economic value of targeting aging versus disease eradication requires analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the economic value of increased life expectancy, improved health, and aging-targeted treatments.
- To compare the economic benefits of compressing morbidity versus extending lifespan.
- To assess the economic potential of targeting aging versus eradicating specific diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing data on life expectancy, health improvements, and aging interventions.
- Economic modeling to quantify the value of different aging-related health strategies.
- Comparative analysis of targeted aging interventions versus disease-specific eradication efforts.
Main Results:
- Health improvements through morbidity compression are more economically valuable than lifespan extension.
- Targeting the aging process offers greater potential economic gains than eradicating individual diseases.
- A 1-year slowdown in aging is valued at $38 trillion; 10 years at $367 trillion.
Conclusions:
- Prioritizing healthy aging and morbidity compression yields significant economic benefits.
- Interventions targeting the fundamental process of aging present superior economic opportunities.
- Further advancements in understanding and improving the aging process will increase economic value.
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