With a special reference to the so -called silver economy (Silver Economy), the economy of longevity and aging, as a development opportunity for Greece, the Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis He spoke this morning (17.6.2025) at the International Conference “Economics of Longevity and Ageing”.
“The possibility of more than 50% of children born today to reach 100 years, changes the way we operate worldwide in the 21st century,” Kyriakos Pierrakakis said in his speech. He pointed out that with a coherent strategy, Greece can be a leading example of adaptation to the new demographic reality.
“We often talk about the existential issue of our system demographic parameters. But one can also see it as an opportunity. As an opportunity to adapt. As an opportunity to change our financial model. As an opportunity to place our country in a leading position, in this important transformation that is already happening and will intensify in the coming years, “the minister said.
Referring to The 100-year Life book, Mr. Pierrakakis expressed the view that “Silver Economy” is an area in which Greece can play a leading role in the coming years and cited the example of countries, such as Spain and Portugal, which have already taken many steps in this direction.
“We have changed parameters in our insurance system, both during the Memorandums and Supervision by the IMF, where we needed to adapt, and later, under the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. We gave flexibility and choices to the insurance system, enabling older citizens to continue working. And this will be done in fact. It will definitely change the life model of the three phases – education, work, pension, “Mr Pierrakakis said.
All of these changes, he added, will influence any public policy sector: from education to social policy to the way we understand and assimilate the potential of growth in our economic model.
“This is, more or less, our way of thinking as a government. There are specific areas where we believe we can play a leading role. I often talk about the role of higher education, especially on the occasion of the recent decision of the Council of State on the constitutionality of the law on non -state universities, “Mr. Pierrakakis underlined.
The minister also noted that “the fact that we never developed an extroverted higher education model in Greece has deprived us only of educational benefits but also financially. Deloitte’s study states that only through this reform can we gain from 0.6% to 1.7% of our GDP over the next decade. One can imagine what opportunities are open if Greece is properly placed in the Silver Economy revolution. I think we have the opportunity to win more than everyone. “
The Conference held at the Bank of Greece Amphitheater, with the participation of leading economists and representatives of international organizations is a joint initiative of CEPR PRN ON AGEING AND LONGEVITY, OECD CENTER CENTROME ON POPULATION Greece and the Region of Attica.