Across Europe and around the world, demographic change is reshaping our societies. Longer life expectancy, aging populations, and evolving workforce dynamics are creating both new opportunities and growing pressure on healthcare systems, economies, and public policy.

Against this backdrop, health and innovation play an increasingly important role in building resilient societies and supporting healthier, more productive lives. Investing in prevention, early intervention, innovative healthcare solutions, and forward-looking health policies is becoming essential to meeting these challenges.

In this Early Bird edition of the Vital Health Podcast, Duane Schulthess sits with Mike Hodin (Global Coalition on Aging - GCOA; CEO) and Francesca Colombo (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - OECD; Head, Health Division) to explore how strategic investment in health and innovation can help address demographic change and contribute to sustainable social and economic outcomes. They highlight the value of prevention, including adult vaccination, the importance of cardiovascular health, and the critical role of early detection, diagnosis, and timely treatment in cancer care.

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers. Recorded on 6/17/26. This podcast was made with the support of Merck Sharp & Dohme. The Vital Health Podcast is a production of Vital Transformation LLC © 2026.