The Geneva Association's 2025 Health and Demography Conference will be held on 26–27 February 2025 in Munich, kindly hosted by Munich Re.
Longevity is a phenomenon that will transform societies and challenge socio-economic constructs that have been passed down for generations. A manifestation of scientific and social progress, longevity is enabling many to live a 100-year life, with the number of centenarians expected to increase eightfold by 2050. But when combined with low fertility rates, this upsets the familiar balance of young and old and the ability to run societies according to the status quo. Traditional ways of earning wealth and preserving health are colliding with new realities, creating uncertainty for people, governments and businesses.
Historically, life and health insurance have been central to helping societies manage longevity by supporting the provision of care and financial security in old age. But over time, macro-economic and demographic pressures have begun to erode this role, raising questions about what’s next for insurance. As societies navigate the era of longevity, insurers too need a vision for the next 100 years to ensure their continued relevance as managers of longevity risks.
If you are interested in attending the event and have not received an invitation, please submit a registration request!
AGENDA
Opening address
Fireside chat: Longevity – Managing our own success
Moderator: Natalie Kelly
Session 1: The Many Trajectories of Longevity: Which way are we heading?
Human longevity has surged over the past century, yet recent trends in some parts of the world indicate a slowdown, raising questions about the future trajectory of societies. This session will explore the diverse paths of longevity across regions and populations, examining how they are influenced by scientific breakthroughs, healthcare access and socio-economic factors.
Confirmed speakers
Moderator: Adrita Bhattacharya-Craven
Session 2: The Health Gap: Drivers and solutions
As health spans fail to keep pace with increasing life spans, many are left to endure years of poor health. With centenarian lifestyles on the horizon what can be done to avoid health systems buckling under the mounting pressure of chronic and age-related illnesses? This session will dive into the root causes of today’s health risks, offering a vision for change and actionable strategies.
Confirmed speakers
Moderator: Axel Heitmueller
Keynote speech
Session 3: The Wealth Gap: Drivers and solutions
Longer lives make navigating financial security increasingly complex for people. Traditional models of saving and dissaving are coming under strain, creating challenges that differ significantly from those faced by the Boomer generation. This session will examine the current landscape, its impact on financial security and the rising risk of old-age poverty. It will envision how financial products and services need to look to remain relevant and safeguard the wealth of future generations.
Confirmed speakers
Moderator: Kai-Uwe Schanz
Session 4: Preparing Health and Life Insurance for a Longevity Economy – The role of public policy
Insurers face a critical juncture as they adapt to enhance their relevance in the longevity economy. This evolution is complicated, however, by disruptive forces like personalised medicine, big data and AI, which offer enhanced protection but also come with potential compromises. Policymakers will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health and life insurance, striking a delicate balance between innovation and necessary guardrails. This panel will explore the interplay between policy and insurance, examining trade-offs, opportunities for partnerships and the way forward in this complex, tech-driven era.
Confirmed speakers
Moderator: Dennis Noordhoek
Closing remarks
