The Economic Benefit of Promoting Healthy Ageing and Community Care

As populations age rapidly across OECD countries, this report highlights the urgent need to shift health systems toward prevention, home-based care, and community support. It reveals that although life expectancy continues to rise, many of those added years are lived in poor health, straining healthcare and long-term care systems. The study quantifies the economic benefits of healthy ageing—finding that a 10% increase in prevention spending can reduce chronic disease rates and healthcare costs within five years. It calls for integrated care pathways, housing adaptation, and age-friendly communities to help older adults maintain independence and reduce system-wide costs.