Tom Greene: Do you really want to live to age 100?

Imagine getting to celebrate your 100th birthday, surrounded by loads of grandkids. A cake sits nearby, littered with candles. A shout-out from the Today Show plays on the TV.

It sounds pretty good, right? But here’s the million-dollar question: Do you really want to live to be age 100?

It’s a fair question. In a recent survey, 56% of respondents said they would refuse treatment that would slow the aging process and allow an average person to live to at least 120 years old.

For all the efforts to prevent aging, there are a few things more undefeated than the passage of time. The simple truth is that living to age 100+ presents all sorts of complications. Consider that living to 100 means that your children are likely in their 70s. That brings in the likelihood that you may outlive your spouse, siblings, and children. Not to mention the chances of having any remaining friends on earth are actuarially slim.

If you’re 100 years old, you probably can’t hear or see very well. I already can’t remember where I put my car keys. And no financial planner assumes you’re going to live that long, so you would definitely run out of money.

A shocking 63% of young people think that frequently forgetting familiar names is a sign of old age. That pretty much makes you old.

Most people just want to live to be 90, that is, unless you’re 89. That’s about 12 ½ years longer than the current average US life expectancy, which is 77.5 years. But only 9% of Americans said they want to live more than 100 years.

Not to worry, though. According to a recent study, female babies born today only have a 5.1% chance of reaching age 100. Males only have a 1.8% probability.

To put all this in perspective, consider that back in 1900, the average life expectancy in the US was 47 years. During that century, Americans experienced a radical life extension. That is, a dramatic improvement in the average life expectancy. Prior to the 20th century, the average life expectancy only increased one year for every century. Beginning in 1900, our average life expectancy increased roughly three years for every decade.

So, what happens if we experience another radical life extension? Well, by 2100, our average life expectancy would rise to 110 years. Surely we are already nearing the maximum quality of life at 77.5 (average), right? I mean, how many more years can our bodies handle?

So, what do today’s centenarians have to say about living to be age 100?

Today’s centenarians frequently think about their past, including memories of childhood, family, and significant life events. Their thoughts often revolve around the people they’ve known, especially those who are no longer alive, giving them a sense of being the last link to certain memories or eras.

Many centenarians emphasize the importance of having a purpose or something to live for. This can be through family, community involvement, or personal interests like gardening or craftwork.

The significance of social ties, including family and friendships, is highlighted by many centenarians. They cherish their relationships, often expressing gratitude for the love and support they receive, and they stress the importance of maintaining social connections throughout life.

They reflect on life lessons. Lessons that often include advice on living in the moment, not holding onto anger, and appreciating what one has. Common regrets mentioned involve not spending enough time with loved ones or not pursuing education or personal passions earlier in life.

While physical health might decline, many centenarians focus on mental well-being, often citing happiness, optimism, and a stress-free life as key to their longevity. They tend to have a positive outlook, even when facing health issues.

You might not want to live to be 100 today, but your opinion might change as you grow older. Spending time reliving childhood memories, doing work in the community, cherishing relationships, reflecting on life’s lessons, and having a positive outlook all sound enticing, don’t they?

Tom Greene is a writer living in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and loyal wiener dog, Maggie. His writing can be found at www.tomgreene.com. He can be reached at [email protected]