Simple, low-cost health measures could prevent nearly 400 million falls, 8.5 million new type 2 diabetes cases and 2.4 million dementia cases worldwide by 2040, according to a new World Economic Forum (WEF)report developed with Marsh.

For the report, researchers analyzed prevention strategies across 21 countries and found that home safety improvements, physical activity programs, and access to hearing aids could unlock more than $5.8 trillion in healthcare savings and $645 billion in productivity gains.

According to the WEF, home retrofits such as rug tape, stair lighting and grab bars could prevent nearly 400 million falls and generate more than $5 trillion in cumulative healthcare savings, compared with less than $400 billion in upfront investment. Preventing falls also reduces caregiving burdens that disproportionately affect women.

Community physical activity programs supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), costing approximately $1 to $40 per person, is a way to prevent 8.5 million new diabetes cases globally, returning more than $125 billion in productivity gains and $85 billion in healthcare savings, according to the report.

On hearing aid access, the WEF cited WHO data showing fewer than 20% of the estimated 400 million people with hearing loss currently have access to hearing aids. Expanding that access could prevent 2.4 million dementia cases and generate more than $325 billion in healthcare savings by 2040, according to the report.

"Longevity is not about getting old," said Haleh Nazeri, lead, longevity economy at the WEF. "Harnessing this multi-trillion-dollar shift requires governments, businesses and individuals to begin addressing physical and financial health together."

"Longevity affects every generation, every industry and every economy," said Pat Tomlinson, president and CEO of Mercer, a Marsh business. "Our research shows that when leaders act early, breaking down silos between health, finance and labor, they can unlock economic growth, improve wellbeing and create lasting value for businesses, governments and society as a whole."

To download “The Longevity Dividend: The Business Case for Linking Health and Wealth,” click here