As we look to reform ageing and old age in the light of extreme longevity, it’s essential that we look to the institutions that currently define ageing and old age – not only to reflect the experiences and realities of a growing proportion of our populations but also to ensure that our societies continue to distribute resources fairly across the life course.

We also need to recognise that 21st century living is structured by 20th century institutions, which may not be effective for the today’s dynamics. Our education systems, patterns of work, healthcare, legal systems, and even marriage and families were built during a very different demographic.

There are also deep stereotypes and preconceptions around the contribution and burden of older adults that are not supported by robust evidence, and these need to be revisited. That’s partly because many of them lead to unjust behaviour towards older people, such as ageism, but also because these institutions and perceptions influence the behaviour of older people themselves. It’s these institutions and public perceptions that influence the behaviour of individuals in our societies, and it’s these that need to be reformed.

A professor of gerontology at the University of Oxford, Sarah was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology in 2014. She has chaired the UK government’s Foresight Review on Ageing Populations, and the European Ageing Index Panel for the UNECE Population Unit. Her research was recognised by the 2011 Royal Society for Public Health: Arts and Health Research Award. She is a fellow of the Royal Anthropology Institute and the Royal Society of Arts.