Since the 1950s, the average global lifespan has increased from 47 to 73 years—an extraordinary 26-year expansion in just seven decades. Addressing this shift requires resources to extend our healthy years and expand access to essential care, supporting physical, mental, and social well-being throughout life. With the right planning, every generation can thrive through proactive health and financial strategies that ensure aging isn’t just about adding years but about living those years well.
In our eighth edition of Minerva, we are delighted to share the discussions and learnings from the Minerva Summit, with a focus on the healthspan-lifespan gap. Alongside experts, we reimagine aging in an era of unprecedented life expectancies and consider the complexities of decision–making and later-life planning.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Below, you can explore individual articles featuring stories that cover wealth creation, transfer, and identity.
The New Map of Life
Dr. Laura L. Carstensen, professor of psychology at Stanford University and founder of the Stanford Center on Longevity, offers powerful insights into what it means to live in a society with unprecedented life expectancies and how we can reimagine aging for the better.
Inside the Health-Care System
Dr. Sharon Straus, Chief Medical Officer and geriatrician at Unity Health Toronto, and Dr. Ashley Verduyn, Chief of Providence healthcare, provide an inside perspective on Canada’s health-care system across the full spectrum of care—from acute to palliative—and discuss the challenges of serving aging and vulnerable populations.
Family Experience
In our interview with Ruth Bastedo, Vice President at William Thomas Digital and Chair of Hospice Toronto, Ruth shares personal insights from her experience as a caregiver and offers guidance on supporting loved ones’ wishes.
Longevity & Legacy
As longer lifespans reshape financial decisions, Julia Chung of Spring Planning explores the complexities of later-life planning, offering tools to align financial, legal, and family systems.
Explaining Powers of Attorney
Lucy Main of WeirFoulds LLP addresses critical—yet often overlooked—estate planning elements, particularly powers of attorney.
The Elephant in the Room
Karen Henderson of the Long Term Care Planning Network guides us through preparing for longterm care—a reality that nearly half of Canadians will face after age 75.
Heart of the Matter
In our interview with Dr. Jean Marmoreo, pioneering doctor in Medical Assistance in Dying, we address the final moments of our lives, underscoring the purpose, agency, and advocacy that is required when making informed decisions about end-of-life care.
Closing the Gap with Philanthropy
Charitable organizations and philanthropists are also playing a crucial role in addressing the healthspan-lifespan gap, beyond what the public sector can do alone. We interview four remarkable women who are driving meaningful change by leveraging their time, resources and networks to make lasting impact.
Remembering Dr. Ruth
In our Milestones article, we celebrate Dr. Ruth Westheimer, whose groundbreaking work revolutionized conversations about women’s health, breaking taboos and empowering generations through open dialogue and self-advocacy.
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