This 2014 GCOA white paper urges global policy makers to develop policies and programs to maximize the potential of healthy and engaged older populations as active and productive resources that will revitalize and ensure sustainable growth. The paper offers insights and examples for how to utilize aging populations to drive economic growth.

The insights are focused in four areas:

• Investment in wellness and prevention to allow all citizens to stay active and productive economic contributors throughout the life course;
• Promotion of age-friendly businesses and entrepreneurship to maximize talent and create jobs;
• Movement of caregiving from institutions into the home and community through innovations in personal care and technology; and
• Development of age-friendly environments to ensure social and economic participation of older adults.

The insights were gathered from economic analysis and a series of policy dialogues hosted by GCOA, which included experts from across both public and private sectors, with economic, demographic, business and policy backgrounds. The policy dialogues took place in several locations, including Beijing, China; Istanbul, Turkey; and Bangkok, Thailand.