Digital technologies for healthy longevity: A policy agenda from the Einstein circle on inclusive, data-driven ageing...

Rapid population ageing presents one of the defining global health challenges of the twenty-first century. While digital technologies are increasingly used to support older adults, their deployment often remains fragmented, inequitable, and insufficiently guided by ethical and legal frameworks. This paper proposes an integrated policy agenda for healthy longevity, based on the interdisciplinary work of the Einstein Circle Longevity - Healthy Ageing Assisted by Digital Technologies.

Drawing on literature, expert deliberation, and practical exemplars, we developed a conceptual framework encompassing seven interrelated domains-medical, technical, practical, interactive, psycho-social, ethical, and legal. The framework highlights the need to reframe health and ageing policy around functional ability and healthspan, not merely disease outcomes, and to embed equity and participation throughout the design and governance of digital health systems.

Digital technologies can extend preventive and personalised care, foster independence, and enhance participation across the life course. Yet their benefits remain unevenly distributed because of disparities in digital access, usability, and representation in data and design. Policies must ensure that technologies respect human rights, protect autonomy, and strengthen - rather than replace - social relationships and professional care.

Realising the potential of digital health for healthy longevity requires investment in interoperable infrastructure, participatory design, and ethical and legal safeguards. Cross-sector collaboration and transparent governance are essential to ensure that technology adds not only years to life, but life to years.