Social Innovation Mapping of the Longevity Ecosystem

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10 Key Findings from the Mapping

The Lab Nova Longevidade, in collaboration with Ashoka, Instituto Beja, and Itaú Viver Mais, invites you to explore and uncover the Social Innovation Ecosystem in Longevity.

We mapped approximately 400 initiatives across all regions of Brazil, with 62.3% operating for five years or more. While we reached both metropolises and remote areas, this report is just our first expedition, revealing actions and passion within this powerful ecosystem that seeks to rethink aging in Brazil. Through this effort, we aim to connect stakeholders, share knowledge, foster exponential change, and co-create the New Longevity we aspire to.

The mapping identified over 400 initiatives and 30 areas of action aimed at rethinking longevity in Brazil. This comprehensive overview underscores aging as a critical and urgent issue that demands innovative solutions across all sectors of society.

The largest concentrations of initiatives are in São Paulo (42.2%), Rio de Janeiro (10.2%), Minas Gerais (9.7%), Pernambuco (7.2%), Rio Grande do Sul (5.2%) and Bahia (5.0%). Initiatives were mapped in the Federal District and 24 out of 26 Brazilian states (excluding Acre and Rondônia, in the North Region).

The mapping revealed that 98.5% of the initiatives believe they generate social impact, demonstrating their commitment to creating meaningful change. Additionally, 62.3% of these initiatives have been active for five years or more, reflecting their maturity, resilience, and sustained efforts in addressing the challenges of aging.

The initiatives identified key themes where they contribute innovation, with “Healthy Aging” emerging as the most relevant, cited by 82% of participants. In contrast, “Media Education” was the least prioritized, receiving attention from only 17% of initiatives.

Education has emerged as a significant barrier to building an inclusive and participative society for all ages. Key areas of concern include formal education, the capacity to access and process information for decision-making, lifelong learning opportunities, and specialized training in geriatrics and gerontology. Additionally, gaps in health education and longevity education further hinder efforts to prepare individuals and communities for the challenges and opportunities of aging.

The ecosystem highlighted the pervasive negative effects of ageism, which manifest in cultural, institutional, and interpersonal forms. In the economy, ageism often excludes older adults from the workforce, depriving society of their skills and experience. In politics, it discourages public engagement with aging-related issues, limiting representation and advocacy. Additionally, self-ageism further compounds the problem by undermining older adults’ confidence, restricting their participation, and discouraging lifelong learning opportunities.

Intergenerational collaboration emerged as a priority for 74% of the initiatives, with a strong focus on fostering social connection and cooperation across age groups. These efforts drive innovation, facilitate learning, and create expanded opportunities for participation, while simultaneously challenging and redefining societal perceptions of aging. By promoting meaningful interactions between generations, these initiatives help build a more inclusive and dynamic social fabric.

The absence of a “culture of care” has emerged as a significant challenge, resulting in a lack of awareness, adequate preparation, recognition, and support for informal and family caregivers. This gap highlights the need for greater societal and systemic efforts to acknowledge and address the essential role caregivers play in supporting older adults.

Digital inclusion and literacy were recognized as essential for enabling older adults to meaningfully participate in society. They also play a critical role in amplifying the reach and impact of various initiatives, ensuring that older individuals can access resources, stay connected, and contribute to a rapidly evolving digital world.

10.

The mapping includes analyses conducted in collaboration with the “New Longevity Brain,” an Artificial Intelligence specialized in Social Innovation for Longevity, designed to serve as collective wisdom for social innovators working in the field of longevity. As a conclusion, the “New Longevity Brain” provided six recommendations for Brazil’s Longevity Ecosystem: