logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
54m 53s

638. Are You Ready for the Elder Swell?

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
In the U.S., there will soon be more people over 65 than there are under 18 — and it’s not just lifespan that’s improving, it’s “healthspan” too. Unfortunately, the American approach to aging is stuck in the 20th century. In less than an hour, we try to unstick it. (Part three of a three-part series, “Cradle to Grave.”) 
Up next
Yesterday
673. What Is Money?
That’s what the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang wanted to learn. So he turned Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations into an oratorio. We tag along as Lang’s piece heads toward its world premiere with the New York Philharmonic. (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Fle ... Show More
54m 11s
Apr 24
672. What Makes Judy Faulkner Run?
Epic Systems manages the electronic health records for hundreds of millions of people. This makes Faulkner a healthcare heavyweight and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in history. So why haven’t we ever heard much from her? Stephen Dubner travels to Verona, Wisc., ... Show More
1 h
Apr 22
Why Does Everyone Hate Rats? (Update)
New York City’s mayor called them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. In an updated episode from 2025, we ask: Is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? SOURCE ... Show More
40m 34s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
206. When Is It Time to Step Aside?
tail spinning
38m 26s
Jan 2025
Ep516 - Peter Attia | Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity
<p>Dr. Peter Attia visits Google to discuss his book "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity." The book is a guide to living better and longer, and reveals a new approach to preventing chronic disease and extending long-term health.<br />  <br /> For all its successes, mainstr ... Show More
1h 2m
Nov 2024
The Longevity Imperative: Redefining the Way We Age
<p>What if the biggest challenge of our time isn’t living longer, but living better? </p><p>In this episode, we’re tackling one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments—and perhaps its most overlooked challenge: longevity. As more people live past 100, our systems—healthcare, finan ... Show More
40m 30s
Nov 2024
220. Is Your Attention Span Shrinking?
tail spinning
37m 11s
Nov 2022
Scott Galloway: This Generation is Struggling, How America Went Adrift and What To Do About It | Human Behavior | E197
Since the pandemic, the world has had to learn how to navigate change. Factors like political extremism, the Great Resignation, the market downturn, etc. have impacted everyone, especially young people. America has a problem with prioritizing the wealth of older generations and k ... Show More
1h 5m
Sep 2025
Why Population Collapse is Closer Than You Think - Stephen J. Shaw - #996
Stephen J. Shaw is a data scientist and filmmaker. Birth rates in Western countries are collapsing, a trend even Elon Musk calls an existential threat. But what’s the true cause? Is it economics, fear of the future, cultural shifts, or something deeper? And more importantly, can ... Show More
2h 53m
May 2025
Introducing: The Future of Aging
Human beings are living longer than ever. Thanks to advances like vaccines, antibiotics, pasteurized milk and clean water, we’ve added more than 30 years to the average lifespan over the last 120 years. That’s more than was added in the previous 10,000 years combined. More recent ... Show More
2m 50s
Sep 2021
David Sinclair: Reverse Aging & Extend Your Lifespan
David Sinclair (biologist, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To) discusses ways we can extend our lifespan and the work he’s doing to slow and reverse aging brain cells. He details the best lifestyle changes ... Show More
1h 6m
Feb 2025
334: BRYAN JOHNSON: The Controversial Anti-Aging Millionaire Determined To Live Forever
tail spinning
2h 33m