Phoenix Group has launched a new centre of research to help people live better and longer lives.
The long-term savings and retirement group aims to challenge “out of date” assumptions and focus on longer working lives, financial security, lifelong learning and skills, healthy active lives, care and support and how our homes can support longer lives.
The new centre will be headed up by Catherine Foot, a research and policy expert in ageing and longevity. Foot will be supported by an advisory committee, chaired by Phoenix Group CEO Andy Briggs and made up of Lord Victor Adebowale, Baroness Camilla Cavendish, Professor Lynda Gratton, Professor Sarah Harper CBE, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, Amber Rudd and Claire Hawkins.
The group said Phoenix Insights will use research to drive forward ideas and greater public engagement with the implications of living longer lives.
Andy Briggs, Group CEO at Phoenix Group, said: “We see improved longevity as a huge opportunity for many more people to have a long life that is full of possibilities but we also recognise an ageing population poses some profound challenges for our society.
“If we don’t all work together to consider these challenges and adapt, the gulf between the advantaged and the disadvantaged will only continue to grow.
“Through Phoenix Insights, we hope to help lead the debate and drive forward the thinking and necessary changes that will enable us all to take action and to live better longer lives.”
The findings and recommendations of Phoenix Insights will also help inform Phoenix Group’s work to help people live longer, better lives, after the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the number of older people has continued to increase, with 12.5 million over-65s in the UK in mid-2020 compared to 10.3 million a decade earlier.
Catherine Foot, director of Phoenix Insights, added: “Life expectancy in the UK has risen dramatically over the past century but we are not yet structuring our society and our lives to make the most of that incredible achievement.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity through Phoenix Insights, to inspire people across the UK to reimagine how we work, save, learn and live so that we can truly make the most of longer lives.”
