The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity

The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott provides a much-needed perspective on extending our individual life spans and healthspan. Most discussions in this area focus on advancements in the physical process of aging and extending our time on Earth. However, this book addresses a crucial aspect often overlooked: how will we live while living longer? It explores the impact of living up to 100 years on careers, retirement, relationships, and society as a whole. The current life model consists of three stages: education, career, and retirement. In the Western world, retirement typically begins around the mid-60s. Living to 100 creates an extended retirement period, raising the question: what are we supposed to do for 40 years? Thankfully, this book offers an alternative view that challenges the traditional concept of an endless retirement filled with mundane activities and doctor's appointments. Gratton and Scott introduce a new model for a multi-stage life in which retirement is redefined. The key elements of this approach include: retirement will become more fluid and potentially dispersed throughout one's life, which will eliminate retirement as a decisive final stage of life. The emphasis will be on lifelong learning, adaptability, and reinvention, prioritizing health maintenance and financial security. For those interested in living a longer, more fulfilling life, The 100-Year Life provides valuable insights into the complexities of extended life spans and offers guidance on preparing for this new reality in all aspects of life.