Healthy Longevity: A Lifelong Approach to Combat the Global Burden of NCDs

The World Bank’s report, “Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases, and Human Capital,” offers a roadmap for tackling the increasing impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the world’s population continues to grow older. It calls for a life-course approach to health, starting from childhood to old age, to ensure that longer life expectancy translates into healthier years, not just more years lived. The report emphasizes that NCDs are not just a health issue but a major economic threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and offers practical policy recommendations for governments to adopt.

In a world where populations are aging rapidly, governments are grappling with a new set of challenges—non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes, already account for 70% of global deaths and are set to rise as societies age. The World Bank’s report, “Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases, and Human Capital,” explores this emerging reality and offers countries a strategic pathway to not only manage these diseases but also to strengthen human capital and economic stability.

The Demographic Shift: An Aging World

The world is at a demographic crossroads. Global life expectancy has increased, and fertility rates are declining, leading to a larger aging population in almost every region. While this shift offers some opportunities, such as more experienced workforces, it also brings heightened health and economic challenges, especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The report highlights that many LMICs are unprepared for this surge in aging populations, as resources to provide adequate health care and social protection are limited.

The growing number of elderly and middle-aged adults is placing an enormous burden on health systems that are still largely geared toward addressing infectious diseases. The report projects that without intervention, NCDs will become the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, intensifying social and economic inequalities. With the right policies and investments, however, this trend can be reversed.

NCDs: The Overlooked Health Crisis

Non-communicable diseases are more than just a health issue; they are a threat to global development. The World Bank’s report points out that NCDs disproportionately affect the poorest populations, trapping families in cycles of illness and poverty. For instance, in low-income settings, out-of-pocket expenses for long-term care and medication can push households further into financial hardship.

Beyond individual suffering, the economic burden of NCDs is staggering. NCDs reduce labor force participation, lower productivity, and create immense healthcare costs. According to the report, these diseases could cost the global economy trillions of dollars over the coming decades unless countries act now. The potential economic loss, measured through a new concept introduced in the report—the Economic Value of Avoidable Mortality (EVAM)—underscores the urgency of addressing these conditions.

The report estimates that if LMICs adopt a proactive approach, 25 million deaths could be avoided annually by 2050. The benefit-cost ratio for investing in NCD interventions is a striking 16 to 1, making it a sound economic decision and a moral imperative.

A Life-Course Approach to Healthy Longevity

The core of the World Bank’s strategy is a life-course approach to healthy longevity, starting from childhood and extending into old age. This involves not just treating diseases but preventing them through early interventions and promoting health across all stages of life. For example, improving maternal and child health through nutrition and vaccinations can lay the foundation for a healthier adulthood. In adolescence, preventing risky behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can stave off chronic conditions later in life.

The report emphasizes that a comprehensive strategy should go beyond the health sector. It calls for stronger linkages with social protection, labor markets, and long-term care systems. Countries should integrate policies that support the aging workforce, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide financial protection for vulnerable populations.

Investing in primary healthcare and community-based services is also crucial. Fiscal measures, such as excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages, can generate significant revenue for health programs while curbing unhealthy behaviors. The report suggests that if countries prioritize these interventions, they can save millions of lives and significantly reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

A Call to Action for Governments and Partners

The report’s message is clear: the time to act is now. Governments, development partners, and civil society must come together to implement these life-course strategies for managing NCDs. The demographic transformation cannot be reversed, but its impact can be managed and even turned into an opportunity.

A collective effort will be essential to ensure that populations live longer, healthier lives and that the aging process does not undermine economic progress. The World Bank’s report concludes by urging countries to embrace this agenda and make the necessary investments, emphasizing that healthy longevity is a realistic goal, not just a lofty aspiration.