Expanding the Blue Zones: New Ways of Life and Happiness
One of the key moments of the event was the talk “Expanding the Blue Zones,” which discussed the keys to improving the quality of life for seniors. The presentation included participation from leaders in medicine, technology, and public policy. Konrado Estre, a physician and founder of BREYNA, emphasized that “we don’t just want to live longer, we want quality of life,” and emphasized the need to rethink the current healthcare system. Estre stressed that although life expectancy is increasing, quality of life has not kept up, and raised the importance of healthy habits such as a plant-based diet and regular physical activity.
The presence of Uruguayan Vice President Beatriz Argimon was a highlight of the panel discussion. Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, Mr. Argimon called for collective action in Mercosur to coordinate public policies that integrate older people as a valuable asset in society, saying, “All countries of the world must take up this challenge.” It must be done,” he said. His intervention reinforced the idea that changing to a more inclusive society that prepares for longevity requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
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Changing the narrative: Towards a positive view of longevity
One of the most prominent themes of the event was the need to change societal perceptions of age. Andrea Falcone, co-chair and founder of SEF Latam, stressed that it is essential to build a positive narrative that values longevity as an asset. “It is essential that we move towards a positive narrative that values age as an asset rather than a limitation. Longevity is an opportunity, but we need to prepare people and institutions to live this phase to the fullest.” he said. .
Event co-chair and media expert Liliana Parodi also emphasized the importance of rethinking how aging is portrayed. “Today, the city of Buenos Aires has become the capital of the silver economy. We are no longer elderly; today there are six generations, which forces us to think of new narratives.” he explained.
Wellbeing 5.0: The key to a long and healthy life
A panel discussion held during the day covered various aspects that affect the quality of life of the silver population. One of the most memorable segments was “Wellbeing 5.0,” led by physician and geneticist Jorge Dotto, who emphasized the importance of healthy habits from an early age. “We start aging from birth. What you eat at age 40 will define your health at age 70. Nutrition, hydration, good sleep and movement are the keys to a long and healthy life.” said Dot, emphasizing the need for prevention to ensure active and healthy aging.
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Additionally, efforts at the community level were highlighted, such as those mentioned by RIL Connector Director Ines Reineke about regional programs empowering older people in various cities in Latin America.
The future of work: Generational diversity as the key to business success
Another strength of the forum was the analysis of the future of work in an aging population. Diego Solveira, CPO of Huara, emphasized the need to include workers of all ages in companies, not only for the sake of togetherness, but also as a matter of efficiency and productivity. “Hiring older people is not altruism, it’s a business necessity. Generational diversity improves teams,” Solveira said, rejecting the stereotypes that limit hiring people over 50. He emphasized the importance of breaking through.
Gustavo Aguilera, Director of People & Culture Talent Solutions at Manpower, also emphasized the relevance of the active role that silver generations play in today’s labor market. “We’re going to be very active 65-year-old adults who are determined to keep their jobs,” Aguilera said, adding that the pandemic has caused people to start prioritizing more flexible and meaningful work. He hinted at a change in thinking regarding work life after the virus infection. environment.
Furthermore, Google Cloud Managing Director Natalia Scalite highlighted the impact of technology on the silver generation. According to Scalitter, the pandemic has shown that with the right provisions, technology can be accessed by everyone. “We all interact with technology today, and the pandemic has shown that anyone can access technology if they have the will.”
A growing market: the relevance of the silver economy
The economic impact of the silver generation was another highlight of the Silver Economic Forum Latin America 2024. According to experts in attendance, this group accounts for 40% of global consumption and is expected to account for 50% of the world’s population by 2050. In Argentina, people aged 50 and over already represent 35.5% of the total population, making this group an important pillar of the country’s economic and social development.
Guillermo Oliveto, CEO of W & Almatrends, said: From anti-age to pro-age. Years become a value, not a burden. The silver generation accounts for 40% of global consumption and will continue to grow. ” This approach aims to change the traditional view of retirement and reassess the financial potential of the silver generation.
Inclusion and intergenerational collaboration: Looking to the future
The event concluded with a call to action to promote inclusive policies that recognize the value of older people in all sectors of society and to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. In her closing message, Andrea Falcone emphasized the need to move towards a more inclusive society that is ready to take advantage of longevity. . ”
2024 Silver Economy Forum Inspiring Thoughts from Latam
Silver Economy Forum Latin America 2024 was not only a place for discussion and analysis, but also a stage to listen to voices that make us think deeply about aging and life 50 years from now. Former soccer player and sports journalist Sergio Goicochea shared his personal experience with reinvention as an adult. I learned that I must close the chapter and not live on memories. Even at 61 years old, I still have projects. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about living well. ” His message emphasized the importance of continuing to explore new horizons and projects beyond the completed stage.
Miriam Álvarez Iture, CPO of Movistar Argentina, proposed a new way of understanding old age from the perspective of business. “We get old not because of our age, but when we talk about the past and don’t live in the present.” His reflections encourage us to cherish the present, rather than letting nostalgia for the past dictate our future.
Fabiana Gadot, CEO of Korn Ferry Argentina, has an optimistic and challenging vision for the challenges of aging in the world of work: It is necessary to learn and stay interested. ” The idea of continuing to learn and adapt is identified as the key to a long, active and healthy life.
In other words, this event not only asks the silver generation to stay active, but also to become the protagonists of a society that little by little understands that longevity is not just a number, but an opportunity to rediscover it. revealed. Stay relevant and enjoy every moment in life.
