Turning longevity into an economic strategy

The growing focus on longevity industrialization in the Gulf Cooperation Council has the potential to significantly boost regional economies. 

By integrating cutting-edge healthcare systems, developing smart cities, and supporting increasing life expectancies, longevity could add an estimated $70–$100 billion to the combined GDP of GCC countries by 2030.

This potential economic impact is often described as the “Longevity Dividend,” a concept that captures the growth generated when populations live healthier, longer lives. It encompasses the benefits of extended productivity, longer workforce participation, and reduced healthcare demands.

Although research on the Longevity Dividend has mainly focused on the US and Europe, its impact in the GCC could be even greater. With a combined GDP of around $2.19 trillion, adding just 2 to 4 healthy years to people’s lives could drive significant economic growth. Healthier populations work longer, rely less on healthcare, and can invest more in savings, education, and other productive areas.

In the US, research shows that an additional year of healthy life expectancy can boost GDP by 0.7-1 percent annually, a figure supported by decades of demographic and economic studies. This framework is now being applied to the fast-growing economies of the GCC, which could see even greater benefits than Western nations due to several unique factors.

Firstly, the GCC has a higher per-capita GDP than many Western countries, meaning each additional year of healthy life has a higher economic value. Secondly, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are more prevalent in the region, meaning that improving healthspan could significantly reduce healthcare costs. Moreover, the GCC is home to a dynamic expatriate workforce, meaning that improvements in longevity would benefit a wide swath of workers, not just nationals.

The region is also investing heavily in modernizing its healthcare infrastructure, including AI health platforms, smart hospitals, and telemedicine. These advancements are accelerating the potential for preventive health initiatives to take root. Additionally, the GCC has a relatively young population, so longevity policies enacted now will have a compounded positive effect as people enjoy healthier, longer lives from an earlier age.

Calculating the potential Longevity Dividend for the GCC involves several steps. Global research by Longevity Industry Analytics shows that each additional year of healthy life expectancy can increase GDP by 0.7-1 percent. 

This figure is then adjusted for the GCC’s unique economic profile. Using a conservative multiplier of 1.1 to account for higher per-capita GDP and the region’s potential to reduce chronic disease burdens, the model estimates that a 2-4 year increase in healthy life expectancy could add up to $100 billion to the GCC’s GDP by 2030.

The analysis draws on widely accepted models used by institutions such as the US Congressional Budget Office and the National Academy of Medicine. These same methodologies have been applied to forecast the economic impact of longevity in the GCC. The region is already making substantial investments in preventive healthcare, life sciences, and technological innovation, all of which will accelerate gains in healthspan. As GCC governments focus on reducing chronic disease and investing in health technologies, the Longevity Dividend will become more pronounced.

For GCC governments, the implications are vast. Longevity is no longer just a health policy issue; it is an economic strategy. By improving the healthspan of their populations, governments can increase workforce participation, reduce healthcare costs, and build more productive societies. Countries with healthier populations also attract foreign direct investment, as companies seek to establish themselves in stable, sustainable environments. Additionally, demand for health tourism and longevity-focused industries — such as wellness and anti-aging — presents new opportunities for economic diversification.

Investors also stand to benefit from the longevity revolution. By investing in companies driving innovation in preventive health, biotechnology, and longevity technologies, investors can tap into new markets that will grow exponentially as the global population ages. 

This includes opportunities in digital therapeutics, health-tracking devices, AI health analytics, and corporate longevity programs. Companies that prioritize employee health will also see benefits, as healthier employees contribute to increased productivity and reduced insurance costs.

As GCC governments position themselves to capture the Longevity Dividend, they are shaping the future of a new economic pillar. By focusing on longevity, they can build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy that improves health outcomes and fosters economic growth. 

With the right investments in preventive healthcare, longevity technologies, and aging-focused industries, the region could emerge as a global leader in the longevity economy, generating significant returns while ensuring the long-term well-being of their populations.

• Dmitry Kaminskiy is general partner at Deep Knowledge Group.