Jennifer Beam Dowd | Longevity and Demographics | Milan Longevity Summit 2026

*Progress stalled? The uncertain future of life Expectancy in high-income countries* -- How will ageing populations reshape our societies—and are we prepared for what's ahead? In this session from the Milan Longevity Summit 2026, Professor Jennifer Beam Dowd explores the demographic forces transforming the twenty-first century. As life expectancy increases and birth rates decline across much of the world, ageing is becoming one of the defining economic, social, and public health challenges of our time. Drawing on her expertise in demography, epidemiology, and population health, Professor Beam Dowd examines how demographic change will influence healthcare systems, labour markets, public policy, and intergenerational equity. The discussion highlights why understanding population dynamics is essential to building healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive societies. Professor Jennifer Beam Dowd is Professor of Demography and Population Health at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Nuffield College. An internationally recognised expert in ageing, population health, and social epidemiology, her research focuses on the interactions between demographic change, health inequalities, and longevity. She is also widely known for her work analysing the demographic impacts of global health crises and the social determinants of healthy ageing. The Milan Longevity Summit brings together global leaders across science, medicine, policy, business, technology and society to rethink the future of health through a One Health perspective—recognising that the wellbeing of people, planet and economies is deeply interconnected. Learn more about the Milan Longevity Summit: https://www.milanlongevitysummit.org/it/speakers26/jennifer-dowd-beam #MilanLongevitySummit #Longevity #OneHealth #JenniferBeamDowd #Demography #HealthyAgeing #PopulationHealth #Healthspan #PublicHealth #FutureOfHealth