Eliminating Even Only Avoidable Age-Related Mortality has Enormous Economic Value – Fight Aging!

Previous research has highlighted the significant economic cost of aging, not just in terms of medical expenses but also in the loss of knowledge, skills, and productivity. If aging could be slowed by just one year, the US alone could gain $38 trillion in economic gains per year. The authors of a new study explore the potential economic value of treating aging as a medical condition. By adopting the age-related mortality rates of the best-performing regions, the authors estimate the economic benefits of reducing avoidable mortality. The differences in mortality rates between regions are primarily due to lifestyle choices, socioeconomic status, and access to medical technologies. The economic value of reducing avoidable mortality is substantial, with populations willing to give up a significant portion of their income for a year at the lowest achieved mortality rate. This underscores the high economic value placed on improving health and longevity. The study also quantifies the economic value of reducing mortality from major noncommunicable diseases and injuries, highlighting the potential benefits of investing in policies that improve healthy longevity and human capital. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare systems worldwide.