Phoenix Group has announced the establishment of Phoenix Insights, a centre of research with the aim of driving improved public engagement and better quality of life.

The new entity will consider areas such as longer working lives, financial security, lifelong learning and skills, healthy active lives, care and support, and how homes can support longer lives.

Phoenix, which stated that the findings and research of the Insight team would inform its actions, added that there was a need to challenge the “out of date assumptions that many of the structures of today’s society are built on” in order to realise the potential of longer lives.

The research centre will be led by Catherine Foot, who has been appointed as director and will be supported in her role by an advisory committee chaired by Phoenix Group CEO, Andy Briggs.

The advisory committee will also feature Lord Victor Adebowale, Baroness Camilla Cavendish, Professor Lynda Gratton, Professor Sarah Harper, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, Amber Rudd and Claire Hawkins.

Briggs, said: “We are delighted to be establishing Phoenix Insights, and to welcome Catherine Foot as its director. We see improved longevity as a huge opportunity for many more people to have a long life that is full of possibilities, but we also recognise an ageing population poses some profound challenges for our society.

“If we don’t all work together to consider these challenges and adapt, the gulf between the advantaged and disadvantaged will only continue to grow. Through Phoenix Insights, we hope to lead the debate and drive forward the thinking and necessary changes that will enable us all to take action and to live better longer lives.”

Foot commented: “Life expectancy in the UK has risen dramatically over the past century, but we are not yet structuring our society and our lives to make the most of that incredible achievement. I am thrilled to have the opportunity, through Phoenix Insights, to inspire people across the UK to reimagine how we work, save, learn and live, so that we can truly make the most of longer lives.”

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