The chapter provides a summary of the possible impact of increases
in adult longevity on economic growth with a focus on two
particular channels: the contact time effect and the incentive
effect. After documenting empirical evidence concerning the rise of
longevity, two methods to measure longevity are presented, namely
the Gompertz Law and the BCL Law of Mortality. These methods are
then applied qualitatively and quantitatively to various models to
show the eect of longevity on growth. Overall, the note concludes
that increases in longevity are quantitatively significant for the
increases in growth observed over the last two centuries and calls
for the consideration of demographic factors when examining
determinants of growth.