| Abstract |
This paper investigates how progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) supports longevity across the European Union by analyzing the relationship between key longevity indicators and the SDG framework. Longevity is understood not merely as increased life expectancy but as the capacity to live longer lives in good health, with economic security, autonomy, and social inclusion. Drawing on Eurostat's "Ageing Europe" indicators, we identify 14 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) spanning six dimensions: population developments, housing and living conditions, health and disability, working and retirement, pensions and income, and social inclusion. Using the most recent data for EU 27 countries, we apply cross sectional regressions to examine how these KPIs correlate with national SDG scores.
The analysis reveals strong and statistically significant associations between several longevity KPIs--particularly life expectancy at birth and age 65, healthy life years at age 65, and self-perceived health status--and SDGs related to health (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), education (SDG 4), and partnerships (SDG 17). Digital inclusion and participation in lifelong learning also emerge as key enablers of sustainable longevity, showing broad linkages to innovation, social cohesion, and economic resilience. The findings suggest that longevity is a deeply multidimensional phenomenon, shaped by structural policies far beyond healthcare. The SDGs provide a coherent and measurable framework for aligning policies and investments toward inclusive, healthy, and resilient ageing. This paper contributes to a growing body of evidence demonstrating that sustainable development and longevity are mutually reinforcing agendas. |
