638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?

This episode of Freakonomics Radio, titled "The Elder Swell," explores the demographic shift towards an aging population and its implications. Stephen Dubner presents surprising statistics about the increasing number of older adults and their improved healthspan. The episode features interviews conducted by Kyla Scanlon with Celine Halioua of Loyal, discussing longevity drugs for dogs as a stepping stone to human applications, and Katy Fike of Aging 2.0, focusing on investment and innovation in the aging space. James Chappel provides a historical perspective on elder care policies like Social Security and Medicare, while economist Andrew Scott discusses the need for an "evergreen economy" that supports longer, healthier, and more productive lives, including age-friendly jobs and preventative healthcare. The episode concludes by examining the challenges and opportunities in the longevity industry, including the ethical considerations and investment trends.