Report warns one in three Irish children may live to 100, calls for new policy institute

Commissioned by Community Foundation Ireland, the 98-page report “100-Year Lives Project: Longer, Better Lives for All” predicts that one-third of children born in Ireland today will live to 100, pushing average life expectancy beyond one outlet 82.9 years. It warns that such longevity will significantly raise demand for health services and state pensions, straining public finances. The authors call for a national institute or existing body to oversee a comprehensive cradle-to-grave policy framework built around connected wellbeing, lifelong opportunities and active citizenship.

Drawing on interviews with 16 experts and citizen workshops in Dublin, Cork and Mullingar, the study identifies physical health, cognitive impairment and loss of independence as top worries, while also noting perceived benefits like family support and continued learning. The report argues that longevity should be treated as an opportunity to reshape education, work and community life, but doubts the government's capacity to deliver coordinated long-term solutions. It contrasts Ireland’s fragmented approach with the UK’s more advanced multi-stage life model and recommends collaboration among government, businesses, charities and citizens.