Demographic aging drives longevity economy and social challenges

Global and national demographic shifts are driving the rise of the longevity economy. The World Health Organization reported approximately 1 billion people aged 60 or older in 2020, a figure projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. This aging population is creating new investment frontiers in healthcare, technology, financial services, housing, and mobility.

In Brazil, the demographic transition is accelerating. IBGE data shows that the population aged 60 and over reached 32.1 million in 2022, accounting for 15.8% of the population. Projections suggest this could rise to 37.8% by 2070, alongside declining fertility rates.

This shift also brings social challenges, including the rise of patrimonial violence against the elderly. This form of abuse involves the unauthorized use or appropriation of an older person's money, assets, or benefits, often occurring within family structures. Experts note that distinguishing between legitimate financial assistance and exploitative control is a critical challenge for protecting elderly autonomy.