Picture this: you’re celebrating your 100th birthday, surrounded by grandchildren, with a cake nearby, candles waiting to be lit. Sounds joyous, right? But here’s a thought: Do you actually want to live to be 100?
This isn’t just a random question. A recent study revealed that 56% of people would prefer to slow down aging rather than take treatments aimed at extending life to 120 years.
Time is relentless, isn’t it? It’s a simple fact that living past 100 comes with a host of challenges. For instance, if you reach that age, your child is likely in their 70s. This age brings the stark possibility of losing a spouse, siblings, or even your children. And let’s not even get into how many friends would still be around.
At 100, you might struggle with hearing or vision. I mean, I can forget where I put my own keys sometimes. And financial planners probably don’t anticipate you outliving your savings by many years.
Interestingly, about 63% of younger individuals consider forgetting a common name as a sign of aging. It’s as if that alone makes you feel old.
Most people seem to settle for living to around 90. This wish is roughly 12 and a half years longer than the current average life expectancy in the U.S., which stands at 77.5 years. Yet, only 9% of Americans express a desire to see their 100th birthday.
But don’t fret. According to recent findings, a baby girl born today has only a 5.1% likelihood of living to 100, while for boys, it’s just 1.8%.
Just to put things into perspective: the average life expectancy in 1900 was just 47 years. Over the past century, we’ve seen dramatic improvements in longevity. Before the 20th century, life expectancy barely budged. Post-1900, it’s increased by about three years every decade.
So what will it be like if we see another huge leap in lifespan? By 2100, average life expectancy might hit 110 years. We’re already enjoying a quality of life at 77.5, but how many more years can our bodies reasonably handle?
What do those who reach 100 think about their lives? They often reflect on their past—childhood memories, family events, and loved ones who have passed away—creating a sense that they’re the last link to certain times or experiences.
Many centenarians stress the necessity of having a purpose. That could come from family, community involvement, or hobbies like gardening and crafting.
Social connections matter a lot to them, too. They frequently express gratitude for the relationships in their lives and recognize the importance of maintaining these ties.
In looking back, they share life lessons. Common advice often touches on living in the moment, managing anger, and appreciating what you have. Regrets include not spending enough time with loved ones or missing opportunities for education and personal growth when they were younger.
While physical health might decline, many centenarians focus on their mental well-being, viewing happiness, optimism, and tranquility as keys to a long life. Even if they’re facing health issues, they generally maintain a positive perspective.
You might not want to reach 100 right now, but maybe your views will shift as you age. Why not spend your time cherishing old memories, getting involved in the community, nurturing relationships, reflecting on lessons learned, and enjoying life’s little absurdities?
