638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?
In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”)
Episode 638 of the Freakonomics Radio podcast, hosted by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher, titled "638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?" was published on June 27, 2025 and runs 54 minutes.
June 27, 2025 ·54m · Freakonomics Radio
Summary
In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”)
Episode Description
In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”)
- SOURCES:
- James Chappel, professor of history at Duke University.
- Katy Fike, co-founder of Aging 2.0 and managing partner of Generator Ventures.
- Kristen Fortney, co-founder and C.E.O. of BioAge.
- Celine Halioua, founder and C.E.O. of Loyal.
- Kyla Scanlon, economic commentator.
- Andrew Scott, professor of economics at London Business School.
- RESOURCES:
- In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really Work, by Kyla Scanlon (2024).
- Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age, by James Chappel (2024).
- The Longevity Imperative: How to Build a Healthier and More Productive Society to Support Our Longer Lives, by Andrew Scott (2024).
- EXTRAS:
- "Off Leash," by The Freakonomics Radio Network (2022).
- "Are You Ready for a Glorious Sunset?" by Freakonomics Radio (2015).
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