As a consultant anaesthetist in the Scottish Highlands, serving some of the most remote communities in the UK, I regularly cared for elderly patients with complex needs who were struggling, living with the acute end of a disease process which could have been prevented, far away from services. This experience has developed my interest in tackling health inequities and developing better strategies for healthy ageing.

As a Clinical Lead for Realistic Medicine, which is Scotland's vision for sustainable healthcare, I became acutely aware of the effects of an ageing workforce and the risk to provision of healthcare services. Our ageing population is a double-edged sword, with increased demand for health and care services and an ageing and declining workforce.

I will explore how Japan continues to enable its older population to contribute to the economy, through evolving roles and valuing wisdom and expertise. By looking at healthy ageing through both these lenses, I will bring valuable insights back to the UK to support the NHS and other public bodies to consider how they can provide higher value care and think innovatively about inclusive strategies to keep older adults in work.