Challenges of increasing life expectancy and the role of harm reduction

Professor John Deanfield of University College London highlights that while a child born today has over a 50% chance of living past 95, longer lifespans are increasingly associated with chronic poor health. The prevalence of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and dementia is rising due to long-term exposure to known risk factors. These diseases often develop asymptomatically over many years before clinical diagnosis. Such trends place significant pressure on public health systems and national economies through higher costs and reduced productivity. To mitigate this burden, Deanfield argues for a shift in strategy from treating established illnesses to early intervention. He proposes the concept of harm reduction as a necessary preventive approach to address risks before diseases become chronic. By focusing on early intervention, health systems may better manage the long-term societal and economic consequences of aging populations.