Healthy Ageing in the Silver Economy: Lifelong Learning as a Driver of Future Skills

Population ageing has become one of the defining global transformations of the twenty-first century, influencing healthcare, education, labour markets, technological innovation, and economic development. According to recent demographic projections, the global population aged 65 years and over is expected to nearly double, increasing from approximately 703 million in 2023 to 1.5 billion by 2050. These demographic trends have accelerated the development of the Silver Economy, creating new challenges and opportunities for sustainable economic development. 
This paper examines the relationship between healthy ageing, the Silver Economy, lifelong learning, and changing labour-market dynamics. It argues that healthy ageing extends beyond healthcare to encompass cognitive well-being, digital inclusion, social participation, and continuous competence development. Furthermore, the paper proposes a lifelong learning competence framework that integrates the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required to support healthy ageing, longevity, employability, and active participation in the Silver Economy. 
Drawing on selected examples from Asian countries, the paper examines how Asian policy approaches promote healthy ageing, lifelong learning, and the Silver Economy. Particular attention is given to the implications of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, demographic change, and economic uncertainty for lifelong learning and workforce participation. The paper also discusses interdisciplinary educational approaches, including experiential learning, design thinking, and narrative-based STEAM learning, as examples of fostering digital, creative, and social competences across the life course. It concludes that investing in lifelong learning is a strategic investment in human capital     that promotes healthy ageing, supports longevity, strengthens the Silver Economy, en  hances intergenerational knowledge transfer, and contributes to resilient, inclusive, and  sustainable labour markets.