Cascais International Health Forum 2026

Longevity is profoundly reshaping contemporary societies, influencing health, the economy, and social organization. This opening conference offers a strategic perspective on the impacts of increased life expectancy, exploring how to turn this phenomenon into an opportunity to promote innovation, sustainable development, and improved quality of life.

Living longer is no longer merely a quantitative achievement; above all, it is a qualitative challenge. As life expectancy increases, so do people’s expectations regarding how they want to live those additional years. Health, independence, mobility, financial security, adequate housing, access to services, social participation, and emotional well-being have become central aspects of this new era of longevity. This plenary session proposes a people-centered reflection, seeking to understand how different generation’s view aging and what responses they expect from health systems, cities, businesses, and public policies. Emerging trends in consumption, lifestyles, and new ways of living and aging will be explored, as well as the factors that most influence the perception of quality of life over time. More than just adding years to life, the challenge lies in ensuring that those years are lived with dignity, purpose, and inclusion.

The increase in average life expectancy is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. In Portugal, as in most developed countries, the number of people who may live to 100 years or more is growing, as a result of advances in medicine, public health, technological innovation and improved socioeconomic conditions. However, this achievement brings profound challenges for healthcare systems, social security, the labour market, education, urban planning and intergenerational relations.

The transition to a 100-Year Society requires a paradigm shift: more than adding years to life, it is essential to add life to years. Healthy ageing, disease prevention, the promotion of autonomy, health literacy, biomedical innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and new models of care all play a central role in building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.

This topic invites reflection on Portugal’s preparedness to respond to the demographic, economic and social implications of longevity. Are we prepared to finance longer lives? How should healthcare and social protection systems be reorganised? What role will cities, companies, universities and families play? How can we promote longer careers, lifelong learning and new forms of civic participation?

Thinking about the 100-Year Society means anticipating the future, transforming the challenge of ageing into an opportunity to innovate public policies, strengthen social cohesion and build a development model that values every stage of life, placing healthy longevity at the centre of the national agenda.

The session — “Longevidade” in a Changing Society — invites reflection on the challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity in a context of rapid social, technological, and economic change. The debate will address active aging, intergenerational relationships, innovation, health, and inclusion, promoting new perspectives on living more years with quality, participation, and a sense of community.

The conference—Living Longer, Living Better: The Challenges of Longevity—invites reflection on the impact of increased life expectancy on contemporary societies. Topics such as active aging, health, innovation, the sustainability of social systems, and quality of life will be discussed, with the aim of identifying solutions that can transform longevity into an opportunity for human, social, and economic development.

Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the way we live, work, and make decisions, bringing with it enormous potential for innovation, but also new risks and responsibilities. This plenary session examines the growing impact of AI on society, from its use in citizens’ daily lives to its application in critical areas such as health, the economy, and governance. Key issues will be discussed, such as algorithm transparency, accountability for automated decisions, data protection, the risks of bias and inequality, as well as the role of technology companies and regulators. In a context of rapid adoption, it is important to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and used in an ethical, safe, and people-centered manner.

Longevity is one of the most significant demographic transformations of the 21st century and represents both a civilisational achievement and one of the greatest challenges for public policy. The increase in life expectancy, combined with declining birth rates and population ageing, calls for strategic reflection on the sustainability of healthcare systems, social protection, pensions, the labour market and public finances.

Over the next decade, it will be crucial to develop models capable of reconciling longer lives with quality of life, autonomy, productivity and social inclusion. The promotion of healthy ageing, disease prevention, technological innovation, personalised medicine, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and new models of care delivery are essential factors in responding to the growing demand for healthcare without compromising economic and social sustainability.

This topic proposes an integrated analysis of the main challenges and opportunities associated with longevity, exploring the impact of demographic change on the economy, employment, education, the organisation of cities and intergenerational relations. It also addresses the need to promote public policies focused on prevention, health literacy, innovation and the creation of environments that support longer, more active and healthier lives.

Discussing the relationship between longevity and sustainability means preparing for the future by identifying innovative solutions that can transform population ageing into a driver of development, strengthening the resilience of public systems, economic competitiveness and social cohesion. The challenge of the next decade will be to ensure that living longer also means living better, with greater well-being, participation and equity.

Technological advancements are profoundly transforming healthcare delivery, bringing it ever closer to people. Wearables, telemedicine, and remote monitoring solutions enable real-time health tracking, help prevent complications, and promote greater independence, especially among aging populations. This plenary session explores how these technologies are redefining the role of the home as a center of care, reducing pressure on healthcare systems and improving the patient experience. It will examine challenges related to integration, digital literacy, equitable access, and data protection, as well as the potential of these solutions to create more personalized, continuous, and sustainable models of health monitoring.

Building societies for the long term requires rethinking economic, social, and governance models. This conference examines the impact of longevity on the sustainability of public systems, economic growth, and public policy, exploring solutions that promote a balance between innovation, inclusion, productivity, and quality of life in an increasingly aging society.

The digital transformation of healthcare depends on the ability to collect, integrate, and share data in a secure, efficient, and meaningful way. However, the fragmentation of systems and the lack of interoperability continue to limit its potential. This session addresses the role of data as a central element for better clinical decision-making, systems management, and public policy development. The session will discuss the challenges of interoperability between platforms, data quality and governance, privacy protection, and the legal framework. It will also highlight the importance of building public trust by ensuring transparency, security, and the ethical use of information in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

Longevity is redefining the global economy and giving rise to one of the largest markets of the 21st century. The growth of the population aged over 60, combined with increasing life expectancy, is transforming patterns of consumption, investment, innovation and service organisation, creating unprecedented opportunities for companies, governments and institutions. The so-called Longevity Economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, biotechnology, insurance, housing, tourism, mobility, technology, education, finance and long-term care.

Far from representing only a challenge associated with demographic ageing, longevity is an important driver of economic growth, the creation of qualified employment and the development of new products, services and business models focused on the needs of a population that lives longer, remains active for more years and has growing expectations in terms of quality of life, autonomy and well-being.

This topic invites reflection on the economic potential of longevity and on how Portugal can position itself within this emerging market by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. International trends, the role of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and personalised medicine will be analysed, as well as challenges related to financing, sustainability, workforce qualification and the adaptation of public policies.

Understanding the New Longevity Economy means recognising that population ageing is not only a pressure on social systems, but also a strategic opportunity to drive economic growth, stimulate innovation and build a more inclusive, competitive society, better prepared to respond to the needs of an increasingly long-lived population.

Rapid scientific and technological advances are profoundly transforming the role of healthcare professionals. New digital tools, artificial intelligence, and more integrated care models require distinct skills, greater adaptability, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. This session examines how to prepare professionals for this new context, from initial training to lifelong learning, as well as the impacts on work organization, leadership, and institutions. The balance between technology and the humanization of care will also be discussed, ensuring that innovation reinforces rather than replaces the relationship between professionals and patients.

The increase in life expectancy represents one of the greatest achievements of contemporary society. However, the real challenge is no longer simply to live more years, but to ensure that those years are lived with health, autonomy, functionality and quality of life.

Healthy longevity therefore emerges as a strategic priority for healthcare systems, public policies and society, requiring an approach focused on prevention, health promotion and early intervention throughout the entire life course.

In a context marked by demographic ageing and the rise of chronic diseases, it is essential to invest in healthy lifestyles, health literacy, vaccination, screening, biomedical innovation, personalised medicine, artificial intelligence and integrated care models that help preserve functional capacity and reduce disability.

The aim is to add health to years of life, promoting active, independent and socially engaged ageing.

This topic proposes a reflection on the factors that determine healthy longevity and the strategies needed to respond to the challenges of the coming decades. It will address the implications for healthcare systems, the economy, the labour market, cities and communities, as well as the role of technological innovation, scientific research and public policies in creating environments that support ageing.

More than extending life, it is important to create the conditions for people to live longer with physical, mental and social well-being. Healthy longevity is therefore one of the greatest challenges and, at the same time, one of the greatest opportunities to build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.

Demographic aging and increased life expectancy pose profound challenges to the sustainability of social protection systems. The pressure on pensions, healthcare, and social support requires strategic reflection on financing models, intergenerational equity, and the adaptation of public policies. This plenary session analyzes the impact of longevity on public finances and the organization of Social Security, exploring future scenarios and possible reforms. Also under discussion will be the relationship between longevity and healthspan, labor market participation, and innovative solutions that ensure more resilient, sustainable systems adapted to new demographic dynamics.

As societies age, the cities and environments where we live become key determinants of quality of life. Public spaces, mobility, housing, access to services, and environmental sustainability directly influence autonomy, health, and well-being throughout life. This plenary session explores how to rethink more inclusive, accessible, and resilient territories capable of meeting the needs of increasingly long-lived populations. We will discuss solutions that integrate urban planning, the environment, and innovation, promoting cities that support active aging, social participation, and a better quality of life for all generations.

Against a backdrop of rapid demographic and technological change, this conference invites us to reflect on how we want to live in the future. It explores scenarios for the year 2100, bringing together science, ethics, and society, and discussing the choices that will influence longevity, quality of life, the role of technology, and the balance between progress, humanity, and collective well-being