Investing in Life: The Science of Longevity and Planning Your Financial Future

The average life expectancy of a Canadian has grown over the past 200 years from below 40 to over 82 years. Canadians are living longer, but for many, it is not long enough.

The pursuit of longevity is further evolving – becoming a passion feeding a booming industry promoting preventative and personalized health care strategies to increase not only our lifespans but our health spans as well. From cold plunges to red-light therapy – from sleep-tracking rings to biohacking practices, there have been many varying methods that have been featured by celebrities in the news and social media, that are claimed to promote life extension.

But are any of these treatments grounded in science?

Longevity also has “side effects”. When our retirement years can last longer than expected, it requires a different approach to savings and investment portfolio construction. There are insurance implications and immeasurable costs for the sandwich generation as they balance unpaid caregiving with paid employment – impacting economic productive and growth potential.

This event will feature three very different approaches to longevity.

On April 23, 2025, the Empire Club of Canada will first hear featured remarks from Dr. Kashif Irshad, Lifespire’s Medical Director & Co-Founder on the evolving science of longevity that impacts health vitality and well-being.

We are also honoured to welcome the remarks from Dr. Samir Sinha, Geriatrician and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Director of Health Policy Research at the National Institute of Ageing, on the science of ageing from his perspective of his role as a renowned clinician and research who has been known to question the scientific basis for some of the emerging longevity practices being currently promoted.

And to understand how living longer should impact your personal approach to financial and estate planning, we will welcome Alex Besharat, Executive Vice President, Canadian Wealth Management of Scotia Wealth Management to join our medical experts on a panel.This discussion will be moderated by Karli Farrow, President and CEO, Trillium Health Partners.