Designing a Vibrant Future in the Era of 100-Year Lifespans for All

Designing a Vibrant Future in the Era of 100-Year Lifespans

On June 23, 2025, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Co., Ltd. organized a significant symposium titled "Designing a Vibrant Future for Life in the 100-Year Era". This event gathered leading researchers and experts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in anti-aging medicine and its applications. The symposium was notable for being held both in person and online, generating considerable interest from various audiences.

At the beginning of the event, President Kazuya Ohyama of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank expressed an important message. He pointed out that while living for "100 years" in Japan can sometimes be viewed through the lens of “longevity risk,” the symposium aims to reframe this notion. Ohyama emphasized that a longer life presents an opportunity to build a hopeful future.

To follow up on this theme, prominent aging and longevity researcher Dr. Shinichiro Imai served as the moderator for a panel discussion featuring experts and journalists who presented their latest research findings and engaged in lively debates regarding future possibilities in the field.

Financial Well-Being in the 100-Year Life

The concept of a "100-Year Life" encapsulates more than just extended lifespan; it evokes a holistic picture of well-being encompassing physical and mental health, as well as social fulfillment. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank has made it a priority to address "Financial Well-Being," defined as a state free of economic anxiety, enabling individuals to lead their lives confidently.

Financial well-being is intrinsically linked to health. Factors like maintaining physical fitness, cognitive abilities, and minimizing medical expenses are crucial to achieving this stability. As a trust bank closely associated with older adults’ lifestyles, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank aims to support a variety of well-being aspects, such as health and housing, through this symposium and the discourse surrounding it.

In the first part of the symposium, discussions centered on the latest trends and findings in anti-aging research. Dr. Imai highlighted the significance of prevention over treatment when approaching aging in Japan, encouraging a scientific dialogue on the optimal strategies to manage aging.

Panelists included Dr. Nir Barzilai, who discussed the anti-aging potential of medications including metformin, commonly known for treating diabetes. Andrea Meyer shared insights into the clinical challenges facing anti-aging medicine today, while Masafumi Yanagisawa scientifically elucidated the complex relationship between sleep and the aging process. Journalist Shigeko Segawa contributed a social perspective on the implications and challenges of anti-aging research.

Understanding Aging for a Happier 100-Year Life

In the second section, Shigeko Segawa presented findings suggesting that Japanese people are less optimistic about living to 100 years compared to those in other countries. A discussion ensued among various researchers, focusing on strategies to ensure happiness in the lifestyle of the aging population.

Dr. Barzilai underscored that research on centenarians shows that health and longevity can coexist. He highlighted the lower medical costs associated with those over 100 compared to individuals in their sixties and seventies, making a strong case for the economic benefits of healthy aging.

Meyer stressed the importance of individual understanding of one’s aging process, advocating for personalized approaches to prevention and management while Yanagisawa called attention to Japan's need for greater awareness concerning sleep's crucial role in health maintenance. He asserted that improving sleep quality is essential for achieving healthy longevity in the nation.

Concluding the panel, Dr. Imai reminded attendees that while Japan is recognized for longevity, it must also strive to improve health span. He emphasized the significance of understanding one's own aging trajectory, advocating for the adoption of scientifically-backed treatments, medications, and supplements to foster a longer, healthier life.

Event Details

The symposium took place on June 23, 2025, from 18:30 to 20:00, with doors opening at 18:00. It was hosted at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue and was also accessible online. The event featured prominent figures in aging research including Masafumi Yanagisawa, Nir Barzilai, Andrea Meyer, and Shigeko Segawa, with moderation by Shinichiro Imai.

For those interested, the archive of the symposium is available for viewing on the official YouTube channel a few days after the live stream concludes.