Long Live (In) Monaco!
How The Principality Is A Case Study For Global Longevity Trends Turning Lifespan Into Healthspan.
YES, THE WORLD IS GETTING OLDER. Data from the United Nations’ (UN) World Population Prospects 2024 shows that the global share of people aged 65+ increased from barely under 5% in 1960 to reach 10% in 2024. By 2080, older adults are expected to account for 16% of the overall share globally. For instance, at around 37%, Monaco is home to the world’s highest percentage of people aged 65+. This is followed by Japan, Puerto Rico, and Italy at around 30%, 25%, and 24%, respectively.
Average life expectancy around the world has also risen, from 50 years in 1960 to 73.3 years in 2024. At 87 years of age, Monaco also takes the crown for having the longest-living inhabitants on the planet. Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea have topped the global table for their extended life expectancy between 86 and 84 years of age.
“The world’s population is ageing in tandem with declining fertility rates.”
The world is also confronted with a future characterised by low fertility. It is therefore not surprising that numerous demographers and policymakers around the world have raised concern that women across all regions are increasingly bearing fewer children in recent years.
According to the UN World Fertility Report 2024, the global fertility rate has decreased from 3.3 children per woman in 1960 to 2.2 in 2024. The global fertility rate is projected to reach the replacement level of 2.1 in 2050 before falling further to 1.8 births per woman in 2100. While population ageing can be attributed to higher standard of living, improved access to healthcare, and better sanitation, the decline in fertility rates could be a consequence of individuals’ greater focus on career and other life goals, improved educational opportunities for women, and better access to contraception and family planning advice. Only in four countries, namely, China, Singapore, South Korea, and Ukraine, is the rate below 1.
“Fertility rates have dipped below 1 in four countries, namely, China, Singapore, South Korea, and Ukraine.”
For these reasons, the UN has attached an 80% likelihood that the world’s population will peak by the turn of the 22nd century. Specifically, the number of people worldwide is forecasted to fall to 10.2 billion by 2100 after peaking at 10.3 billion in 2080s—roughly 0.9% smaller (or 700 million people fewer) than projected a decade ago. There were about 8.2 billion individuals in 2024. With the exception of Africa, most regions in the world are expected to see a reduction in the size of their population. These future demographic trends should lead to the inevitable reconfiguration of the global economy and the rearrangement of societies. In particular, middle- and high-income countries will be confronted with immense economic and societal challenges associated with a dwindling workforce and the growing burden on health and social security systems of an ageing population in their midst.
Scientific research into longevity
Scientists have long been intrigued by what determines the life expectancy of various species. For instance, smaller animals generally tend to have shorter lifespans compared to larger ones, including humans. One of the factors may be linked to evolutionary factors, highlighting the need of tinier animals to reproduce more quickly in order to ensure the survival of their species. Other elements may include their elevated metabolic rates, meaning they burn energy faster, and higher cellular turnover, where cells are constantly being replaced. In comparison with human’s average life expectancy of 73.3 years, many insects have relatively short lifespans, with some species living only for a few days or weeks.
“Smaller animals tend to have a shorter lifespan than larger ones, including humans.”
As far as humans are concerned, genetics and lifestyle are two major factors that play a significant role in influencing human lifespan since they have the ability to alter our body chemistry and health. In the past 20 years, a significant amount of scientific research has been conducted to shed light on the body chemistry that controls the ageing process. After all, many individuals aspire to live as long as they can, but in a condition that is free of disease. Also known as healthspan, this period of one’s life is characterized by good health. A person may fall ill early in life but still live for several more years. In other words, longevity means extending healthspan, not just overall lifespan. Nevertheless, “good health” can hold different meanings to different people since a longer healthspan may not necessarily translate into better perceived health.
“Longevity means extending healthspan, not just overall lifespan.”
While there may be no quick fixes to prolonging our longevity, it is important that individuals begin to incorporate small but steady holistic changes to their lifestyle, which take time and consistent application to have a meaningful impact. As several evidence-based clinical research has shown, 20%-30% of a human lifespan is related to genetics while modifiable lifestyle behaviors account for the rest. For this reason, achieving a longevity that is characterized by a longer healthspan may require one to adopt some lifestyle strategies—such as obtaining better nutrition, getting regular physical activity, and managing stress levels—while minimizing certain unhealthy lifestyle habits—for example, smoking or alcohol abuse—that may adversely affect our body chemistry and health.
Case Study 1: Monaco
As a global longevity champion in terms of life expectancy, the sovereign city-state on the French Riviera is widely known for its high standard of living. Monaco has not only launched various initiatives and made investments in community programs and education to improve personal wellbeing, but it also possesses an excellent healthcare system—a combination of a public system managed by the Caisses Sociales de Monaco (CSM) and private services—that is available to all citizens and long-term, legal residents. Like the broader Mediterranean diet, Monegasque cuisine, which is heavily influenced by French and Italian culinary traditions, is generally considered good for heart health due to its emphasis on the use of fresh ingredients, such as vegetables, seafood, and olive oil. A less stressful lifestyle, along with more time spent outdoors, also positively contribute to longevity.
As Albert Henriques, CEO of Bank Julius Baer Monaco, points out: “It’s no coincidence that the Principality of Monaco, known for its high life expectancy, has been designated the World Capital of Sport for 2025, hosting events like, for example, Formula E, that embody the pursuit of innovation and sustainability. The thrill of electric racing, which draws a massive global audience each year, serves as a powerful metaphor for the human quest for longevity and performance. By witnessing the cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking approach of Formula E, our clients and employees are inspired to think differently about their own long-term goals and aspirations, including financial plans and investments in a healthier future. This alignment with our expertise in investing in megatrends enables us to empower our clients to make informed decisions that can contribute to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.”
Besides motor racing, yachting, and tennis, football is one of the leading sports in the country. Monaco is also known for its commitment to environmental protection and marine conservation.
Case Study 2: Singapore
The tropical island city-state of Southeast Asia has not only seen a remarkable increase in life expectancy but also a growing number of centenarians in recent decades. Data by the country’s Department of Statistics shows that the number of people aged 100+ has doubled from merely 700 in 2010 to 1,500 in 2020. It is no wonder that Singapore has been designated as the world’s sixth “Blue Zone” in a Netflix documentary film entitled Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. According to the American author, proactive government policies—through healthcare, dietary nudges, support for the elderly, and green spaces—have been attributed for Singapore being named as an engineered longevity hotspot. This stands in contrast with the other five Blue Zones—Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California, U.S.)—with high concentrations of centenarians thanks to long-established cultural traditions that contribute to longevity. Although some researchers have challenged the notion of Blue Zones as centers of longevity over data reliability and the applicability of the findings, the recurrent themes of nutrition, physical activity, life purpose, and community in these locations remain key to health and wellbeing.
Why longevity in Swiss private banking?
Longevity is crucial for Swiss private banking since sustainable, stable client relationships and investment strategies stand at the core of the industry’s business model. This is not least because longevity, as discussed at the beginning of the article, is and will remain one of the key megatrends of the future, driven by underlying demographic forces and technological advancements. As people lead longer lives, they are also more likely to require more financial planning and wealth management services over an extended period. After all, additional years of living expenses, healthcare costs, and unexpected changes in life circumstances would mean that individuals can approach their extended longevity with greater confidence.
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