--- description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. title: Lessons in Longevity: How Aging and Wellbeing Can Go Hand in Hand image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7a7cccbdade243db/6a4b527a5fed021f10a48a26/839AB91AFCAD48FF8F98386AA7DAE908.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- # Lessons in Longevity: How Aging and Wellbeing Can Go Hand in Hand  Here’s some good news for you: we are living longer. Or at least we have an increasing opportunity to, other things being equal. But of course they are not equal. How we behave, early habits we adopt, what we eat and drink, the lifestyles we live, social norms, government policy, all differ to the extent that they differentially affect not only who lives longer but also the health and quality of life once longevity of life is attained. Think about the enormity of this: lifespans have doubled in just a few generations. There are now almost [a billion people](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.cbsnews.com/media/the-10-best-countries-to-live-in-for-people-over-60/ "undefined") over the age of 60 years and by 2050 this will reach 2.1 billion. What does this seemingly inexorable journey of humankind to longer and longer life mean? Living longer is one thing, doing it in a way that individual wellbeing is maximized is quite another. #### **The Japanese Path to Wellbeing and Longevity** Nowhere is the disparity in achieving longevity more starkly exemplified than in Japan. Japan is well practiced and excels at living longer. And most of us have at least a fleeting awareness of this. The image of the silvered-haired octogenarian head of a well-known consumer electronics or car company has graced the pages of the media for decades. And certainly that almost cliched image is well-founded in reality. Japan has the [highest proportion of the elderly](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://elemental.medium.com/the-3-secrets-to-japanese-longevity-dd58f50145c5 "undefined"), with a current average life span of almost 90 years compared to the global average of 75 or so years. Even more startling is the propensity of Japan’s elderly to live to, and beyond, 100 years - almost [90,000 of them](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/14/national/japan-centenarian-record/ "undefined") and counting. Several decades ago the Japanese government set into motion policy and education initiatives to instill in the population a healthy mindset. [Campaigns promoting healthy behaviors](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.aetnainternational.com/en/about-us/explore/living-abroad/culture-lifestyle/the-real-secrets-behind-japans-high-life-expectancy.html "undefined") from lowering sodium intake to managing stress and blood pressure, to eating balanced diets across the food groups, moderating alcohol consumption, and undertaking regular exercise, encouraged healthy and life-prolonging behavior change in adults from an early age. These were supported by such [policy initiatives](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/reports-and-briefings/care--support/rb%5Faug18%5Finternational%5Fcomparison%5Fof%5Fsocial%5Fcare%5Ffunding%5Fand%5Foutcomes.pdf "undefined") as the implementation of robust (and obligatory) long-term national health insurance plans, and a network of support centers throughout the country. Elderly Japanese report high levels of life satisfaction and this seems to be driven by a combination of factors including staying active, deferring retirement, volunteering, and staying connected to family and local community, amongst other factors. In short, living with purpose, feeling and being productive and useful, intellectual and mental vigor, and maintaining social bonds form the basis of Japanese elderly wellbeing.  #### **A Generational Change** It is certainly the case that to date, with a few exceptions, most other countries have not been as successful as the Japanese in promoting a healthy lifestyle mindset in the populace. Neither have many of those same governments dedicated the requisite resources to ensure a smooth path to a healthy old age. And some social norms, such as retiring at a set age or the institutionalization of the aged and their withdrawal from active communities, have been slow if not impervious to change. Arguably, these societies are the poorer for it, with aged-related disease, cognitive decline and emotional and mental deterioration evident in unacceptably high numbers. Nevertheless, there are some encouraging signs, especially amongst Generation Z that things may be changing for the better. It is clear that with advances in technology and futuristic medicine the lifespan of younger generations will surely exceed on average those of previous generations. Indeed, for [Generation Z living to 100 years](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/07/01/how-long-can-a-person-live-the-21st-century-may-see-a-record-breaker/ "undefined"), even in Western countries, will seem commonplace. [Generation Z](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.investopedia.com/generation-z-gen-z-definition-5218554 "undefined") (born roughly between 1997 and 2012) in particular, have a mindset and approach to lifestyle that, based on what we know of the Japanese model, is setting them up to withstand the rigors of a long, old age and to do so while maintaining holistic wellbeing. Their eating and drinking habits are well-suited to minimize the risk of age-related disease such as heart disease. They are [more likely to eschew a red meat-heavy diet](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://insider.fitt.co/gen-z-wellness/ "undefined"), more likely to be vegetarians or vegans and to minimize or avoid alcohol consumption altogether, compared to previous generations. Importantly, they are also more willing to share their mental health concerns, as well as initiate action to help themselves, like take ‘mental’ days off work, seek more work-life balance and other actions to reduce stress. This behavior speaks to a generation that is actively managing stress, rather than ignoring or burying it, and proactively seeking healthy alternatives to leading a stress-out, risk-prone life: that is, a life that may otherwise be cut short. Similarly to the Japanese, Generation Z have embraced exercise and fitness. Indeed, Generation Z is the first generation where wellbeing, from spiritually to physical and mental health, is not pursued as a separate life goal, but is an internal driving force of behavior, integral to their notion of self identity and expression. #### **The Sandwich Generation: millennial multigenerational care-givers** Generation Z seem like they are on a good track for ensuring their own wellbeing as they age and live longer. Their close neighbors, the [Millennials](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/ "undefined") (roughly born between 1981 and 1996), are faring somewhat less auspiciously, as the trend to longer living amongst their parents, the [Boomers](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2008/06/25/baby-boomers-the-gloomiest-generation/ "undefined") (roughly born between 1946 and 1964), has thrown a bit of a spanner into their plans. Around 10,000 Boomers are [retiring every day](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.good.is/articles/humans-may-live-to-150 "undefined"). And, depending on the country and individual circumstances, ever increasing numbers of these require care and support - ranging from the financial through to the physical and the emotional. Largely in the absence of government policy, universal health insurance coverage, and affordable services such as care-facilities, the responsibility for their care has landed squarely on the shoulders of their children, the Millennials. To aggravate matters, many of these Millennials have children of their own for whom they also provide support: hence the term ‘sandwich generation’: a generation of people sandwiched between two generations for which (at least partly) they are now responsible.  For an unfortunately high number of Boomers any semblance of a healthy old age would quickly dissipate if it were not for their care-giving children, whose sacrifice may, in the end be measured by their own shorter lifespan. The cost to Millennial multigenerational care-givers is high. Many have prepared themselves financially, saving more for the day they would have to step up, but with the combination of inadequately insured parents and expensive health care, it’s proving to be a strain. The strain is also exacerbated by reduced earning power as many, especially women, have had their career trajectories to higher paying senior roles interrupted. Care for elderly parents also comes at high emotional health cost: tensions may develop between husbands and wives, and, if they’ve had to leave work to stay at home, their own informal networks of work colleagues and friends no longer provide much needed support to help them navigate the new realities of full-time multi-generational care-giver. Given the rise in mental and emotional stress experienced in managing the health and wellbeing of two generations, Millennials are at risk of falling short of their own (generational) potential of achieving healthy longevity. Thankfully, it's not all bad news for the sandwich generation. For example, apart from the positive impact for the elderly being in a loving environment and living in the community, having healthy and fit grandparents under the same roof can enable some Millennials to return to the workforce as their parents take on [childminding responsibilities](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210128-why-the-sandwich-generation-is-so-stressed-out "undefined"). Governments and employers can also contribute more actively to relieve the pressure on the sandwich generation. For instance, subsided childcare and eldercare, parental and grandparental leave would go some way to address the financial strain of multigenerational caring. And employers could provide multigenerational carers with flexible working conditions - continuing a trend that found widespread adoption during the COVID pandemic. #### **Healthy Aging: Getting It Right** We are on the cusp of a generational change in healthy aging and longevity of life. Getting it right now matters for a number of reasons. First, instilling a healthy mindset and behaviors early on in life, as the Japanese have done, will inevitably lead to more people enjoying health and vitality well into old age. Second, from a societal perspective, a physically and mentally fit aged population would result in less demand on the health system, and reduce overall health costs. Finally, healthy and mentally vigorous elderly can also continue to be [economically productive](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4,29&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=-446027129&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.weforum.org/communities/gfc-on-healthy-ageing-and-longevity "undefined") \- something that is becoming increasingly critical in societies where declining birth rates are inevitably leading to fewer working young people to contribute economically to such things as social services. **_SOMPO: Years Ahead_** [](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk.gif?ntv%5Fat=59&ntv%5Fui=676574b8-4239-45e0-973e-c49a17ea424a&ntv%5Fa=1wQIACPRZAtV4SA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYHNVaVl9Z%5FoPpSo7HNtthPuxnPMUinohHwEZVsC%5FKIvoC3marVAe04PLsb5gW1Ehsf%5Fl0qLRhx5oola1Ft7j8izi8Q-dZL3EPXg0JWWMtzSzG8vqKiHHrlUbJTPDgLcqibh17aAAsdl9y2intjlm6q1XrQFsJreLOINcfIMqsHYCGxG3FbM-Pqn5x49HoAz6YJxZx-aMyZsFTGQgsEfSqgPFoam3q8mrc6f7RiC5Akd4V9v9Bo18ZZYcGRCRC%5FmNi6GhoE71NE2xRWoBgRzilgV5ROLeHpwwOOgD9tlszR1%5FDpIdfWPBHvBPWzFr%5Fr5XSo7IkK1erp%5FdtmberlrG8AOfs863ZhWqRf4X%5F0Y7x-RhJj6LfwPs1ZouLEU835KcdoZJoiEOuZblv5j4-hdBP8fgKxUo0kTQ7gHwhcEPBMNG0vCygEWp4UkWl0zoOMeTWrZWCTQJqETmM4b3EP0l8aivj%5F04sGGswqAqso2GUejtWI1EF1hf6aCGutrBeKRbj%5FTSbW0dWtrez2CYb%5FLr8dDkmamQS8ZiiMzAtXUeUd%5Fk&ord=1739608513&ntv%5Fht=NyIMagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.sompo-hd.com/en/company/brand/global%5Fbrand/) Lessons in Longevity: How Aging and Wellbeing Can Go Hand in Hand ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/branded-content/sompo-holdings/lessons-in-longevity-how-aging-and-wellbeing-can-go-hand-in-hand/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/branded-content/sompo-holdings/lessons-in-longevity-how-aging-and-wellbeing-can-go-hand-in-hand/"},"headline":"Lessons in Longevity: How Aging and Wellbeing Can Go Hand in Hand","datePublished":"2026-06-18T14:28:22.202Z","dateModified":"2026-06-03T16:18:43.847Z","description":"","url":"https://time.com/branded-content/sompo-holdings/lessons-in-longevity-how-aging-and-wellbeing-can-go-hand-in-hand/","keywords":[],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[],"articleSection":"","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/branded-content/sompo-holdings/lessons-in-longevity-how-aging-and-wellbeing-can-go-hand-in-hand/","name":"Lessons in Longevity: How Aging and Wellbeing Can Go Hand in Hand"}}]}] ```