What if... You Lived 300 Years?

...... Again, no one has had to really think about longevity before!!! We now have to consider our extended lives, and considering this sooner rather than too late in the game seems necessary. More than aging to 100, we now must consider how to do this gracefully, fully consciously, knowing that we will be active longer than past generations ever had to consider.

 

We would have to assume, as was the case with the centenarians, that we would be in good health to live that long. If we focus on staying healthy, we will be able to benefit from the advances that are here now and also on the horizon.

 

We would re-examine our attitude about ourselves and about how we view the future. We would consider the quality of our lives moving forward, working fulfilling careers, exploring new activities, remaining curious with the “beginner’s mind” and seeing the world with fresh eyes.

 

The thought of extending our lives by possibly an extra 100 years may feel daunting to some. Society’s expectations are all around us. Our lives have already been mapped and we have followed the plan. First, when we are young, we are told, “You have your whole life ahead of you! The sky’s the limit!” and we feel invincible. Then we begin school, learn to read and write and are exposed to the world beyond our families. By the time we reach high school, we begin to think about our future, the career we will choose, and the preparations required for achieving it. After high school, we may have gotten a job or gone to college or trade school, after which we went to work. Some others may choose another path and work as customer service agents, warehouse workers, or sales. Eventually, we are expected to marry, have children, buy a home, and spend a lot of time paying for it all. We may save money for our children’s future education and for our eventual retirement. It will all happen very quickly. Society has already made arrangements for us to retire at 65-70 and collect Social Security and Medicare. These social structures have formed our attitudes and expectations about our futures. The reality of how our life unfolds may not be that smooth. Social Security does not provide enough money for retirement and many older people have to keep working. Some others may be bankrupt by medical debt. That is the reality today for many of us.

 

The Transitional Generation would have to re-examine its current beliefs. With our extended health and lifespan, we would have to take a new view of our future. We would have to change our ideas, such as, when I retire (from this job that I am tired of) I will be able to do the things that I’ve always wanted to do (such as travel, buy a boat, or begin a new hobby.) Instead, we would realize that our life is about finding ways to live life to the fullest, now. Not settling for unsatisfying employment, but instead, having an occupation that allows us to thrive as human beings.

 

To live in a society where an elder’s insight, knowledge, and understanding is valued, where personal development is encouraged, will benefit the whole of society.

 

A final comment with respects to longevity and living responsibly was made by Steve in our focus group: “If we had to live in the world that we are creating, we may feel prompted to find solutions to its problems.”