UniCredit presents new proprietary research to explore the economic, social and cultural impact of longevity, with the first two Observatories unveiled at the inaugural Forum and more to follow
Milan, 28 May 2025 - Today at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan, UniCredit hosted the inaugural Longevity Economic Forum 2025, unveiling a new series of proprietary research Observatories developed in collaboration with the UK's National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) and asset manager Fidelity International. The reports provide in-depth analysis across all UniCredit's core markets and aim to foster dialogue on the implications of longer life expectancy.
Among the key insights presented:
- The UniCredit Longevity Index, which assesses how well countries are positioned to support longer, healthier lives through four key dimensions: individual behaviour, healthcare systems, physical environments and social conditions
- Insights on Lifestyles & Leisure Trends, which examines how longer life expectancy is reshaping behaviour, consumption, identity and education
By 2050, life expectancy in Europe is projected to rise by 4.5 years, with healthy life expectancy increasing by only 2.6 years, to 67.4 years, further widening the critical gap between lifespan and healthspan. Looking further ahead, life expectancy could reach nearly 100 years, adding 27.4 more years of life - or around 240,000 extra hours. Yet living longer does not necessarily mean living better.
UniCredit is committed to anticipating future needs, supporting clients, and contributing to a broader conversation on longevity that creates lasting value. To this end, the Bank has developed a robust research platform - which includes the Longevity Index, the Empowered Living Indicator, and thematic Observatories - to better understand and address the social, economic and behavioural shifts associated with longer lives.
The UniCredit Longevity Index (LI) offers a composite score, helping to compare country performance in supporting healthy longevity. Among UniCredit's core markets, Germany, Austria and Slovenia score the highest, followed by Italy. These rankings reflect their investment in inclusive healthcare, robust social policies and age-friendly infrastructure.
Alongside the Longevity Index, UniCredit also introduced the Empowered Living Indicator (ELI), which provides a personal perspective on wellbeing. It evaluates emotional fulfilment, individual freedom and the quality of social relationships, highlighting how empowered citizens feel in pursuing meaningful, satisfying lives. In some countries, the deltas between the results of the LI and the ELI are particularly striking, showing that effective longevity strategies must address both macroeconomic frameworks and individual wellbeing.
Together, these tools are intended to guide decision-makers in addressing the challenges of ageing populations and designing systems that enhance wellbeing across life stages. UniCredit sees this as both an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to this transition.
"This initiative is about more than just research - commented Richard Burton, Head of Client Solutions at UniCredit. We want to promote collaboration across institutions, businesses and communities on this important topic and, as both a bank and a responsible European institution, we are proud to play a leading role in the conversation."
The Lifestyles & Leisure Trends Observatory reveals a cultural shift in how people approach time, work, and identity:
- With the over-65 population expected to double by 2050, traditional work-retirement models are becoming outdated
- Second careers, lifelong learning, and flexible education paths are gaining traction
- People increasingly prioritise health, flexibility and purpose as central to their fulfilment
These trends point to a growing "longevity economy", a space of untapped potential where new behaviours drive demand for health-positive consumption, non-linear life planning and wellbeing-led services.
Nic Palmarini, Director of NICA, explained: "This is not just about age, it's about ambition. People want to extend both their lifespan and healthspan, living longer with purpose, health and choice. That requires transforming systems to match the forthcoming scenario of a longevity society."
Keith Metters, President of Fidelity International, added: "Longevity is one of the best problems a society can have. And as an industry, we play a key role in helping investors achieve the best outcomes to support their longer lives".
Nobel Laureate and honorary president of the I.S.E.O. Institute, Michael Spence noted: "The longevity economy is not just about living longer. It's about reshaping industries, investment strategies and society itself."
Nobel Laureate Robert C. Merton said: "Longevity investment should encompass broader economic and social systems that empower individuals to live productive, fulfilling lives throughout their extended years."
Annie Coleman, Ambassador of the Stanford Center on Longevity, reinforced the call for systemic change, saying "We need dynamic systems that support reinvention over multiple life stages. Retirement isn't the end, it's a transition."
Through this Forum, UniCredit renews its commitment to developing financial solutions that respond to the opportunities and challenges of longer lives - from investment to protection - with insurance playing a growing role. The objective is to turn demographic change into a driver of sustainable growth, resilience and prosperity.
As a pan-European commercial bank, UniCredit supports both individual clients and businesses in adapting to the longevity era, unlocking long-term value and enabling inclusive progress.
