Scroll to learn more

Faster and faster, our global populations are aging — especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
AARP’s Aging Readiness and Competitiveness (ARC) initiative aims to reshape perceptions of older adults’ roles in communities, economies and societies. It also is intended to prompt innovative action from governments, the private sector, civil society, philanthropy and other stakeholders to enable more independent, engaged and productive older populations.
This brief, produced by Economist Impact with support from AARP, is the fifth iteration of ARC (ARC 5.0) and a follow up to our previous report, ARC 4.0, launched in 2023. ARC 4.0 explored the challenges and opportunities accompanying global aging in low- and middle income countries (LMICs) and identified innovative solutions and leading practices that contribute to equitable and healthy aging. This brief builds on the qualitative exploration of ARC 4.0 and provides quantitative insights about the drivers of healthy longevity and the societal impacts of social pensions, the most prevalent policy intervention used to promote income security for older persons in LMICs. ARC 5.0 also delves deeper into the root causes of the gender gap in healthy aging, analyses existing interventions to bridge it and identifies areas for further action to ensure older women are able to lead not only longer but also healthier lives.
Download the full report
Explore case studies below
