02/09/2026
THE SILVER ECONOMY: economic activity created by the needs and contributions of an aging population.
Globally, the world is gearing towards International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2026 edition. The theme for this year’s commemoration will be; “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Systems: Conversations around older persons are now broader than the traditional health issues. We are now talking about;
1) Legal affairs (e.g. succession planning)
2) Financial health (Asset Management)
3) Insurance products aligned to elderly citizens
4) Spiritual alignment
Sports remain the “glue” that drives community conversations and Walking Football, a low impact, non-contact sport targeting +50 years old (both gender). At Kenya Walking Football Federation (KWFF) we bring together clubs/teams of older persons for an opportunity to exercise, mitigate non-communicable diseases AND offer platform through which corporates, companies, government can engage its elderly citizens in a relaxed environment – soccer field.
SILVER ECONOMY:
This refers to the part of the economy focused on the needs, products, and services for older adults. It recognizes that as populations age, older people remain active consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to society.
Examples of sectors in the silver economy include:
* Healthcare: Hospitals, home healthcare, telemedicine, and medical devices.
* Financial services: Retirement planning, pensions, and insurance.
* Housing: Age-friendly homes, assisted living, and senior communities.
* Technology: Wearable health devices, smart home systems, and apps designed for seniors.
* Leisure and tourism: Travel packages, wellness programs, and recreational activities for older adults.
* Transportation: Accessible public transport and mobility services.
Why is the silver economy important?
* Growing elderly population: Many countries have increasing life expectancy and lower birth rates, leading to a larger older population.
* Economic opportunity: Older adults have significant purchasing power and create demand for specialized products and services.
* Job creation: It generates employment in healthcare, caregiving, technology, and other industries.
* Improved quality of life: It encourages innovations that help older adults live healthier, more independent lives.
By 2030, people aged 50 and older are projected to make up 25% of the global population, with those aged 60 and older alone accounting for about 16.5% (or 1.4 billion people) of the total world population. Thank you, Nation Media Group, for the full-page interview on WALKING FOOTBALL. The feedback has been amazing and overwhelming with the general appreciation that we are ALL ageing.
The bigger question remains? Shall we age with dignity? Shall we enjoy quality of life in our sunset?
Join a walking football club today and be part of the wellness (physical, social, mental, financial) conversations!
Kiarie Mwangi
President: Kenya Walking Football Federation
Website: www.kwff.co.ke.