Life – Blessings and Curses
In The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity, [1] authors Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott explore the societal, economic, and personal effects of increased human life expectancy. Through its research, accessible illustrations and practical applications, the book offers insight to the reader for a life potential of 100+ years. Once unattainable, the opportunity to live as centurions is within our reach. The authors challenge the deeply entrenched desire of retirement (aged 65 UK-based) and inspire a life that has longevity and fulfilment.
The Bible also touches on the concepts of blessings and curses, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live.”[2] The 100-Year Life offers examples of the blessings and curses that accompany longer living.[3] I will consider three blessings and three curses expounded in the text.
Blessings
The Gift of Time
One of the most significant blessings discussed in the book is the “gift of time.” As the authors note, life is “full of possibilities, and the gift is a gift of time.” [4] This sentiment resonates with a statement attributed to entrepreneur Richard Branson, who reportedly said he would trade all his wealth to be young again. [5] Whether true or not, the message is clear: time is our most precious commodity. The prospect of living longer offers the opportunity to witness the birth of multiple generations and observe global developments—experiences that are invaluable despite the uncertainties posed by challenges like pandemics, wars, and economic crises.
Review of Life Stages
Historically, life has been segmented into three phases: education, work, and retirement. However, Gratton and Scott argue that this model no longer suits the emerging reality. [6] As life expectancy increases, a rigid division of life into these phases fails to provide for personal development, financial security, or physical and mental well-being.
The authors propose a more fluid and flexible structure with multiple transitions and phases. Instead of following a linear path from education to employment to retirement, individuals might cycle through periods of learning, working, and leisure. Continuous education becomes crucial for staying relevant in an evolving job market. Similarly, career changes and sabbaticals are likely to become more common as people recalibrate their lives in response to personal goals and shifting circumstances. This reimagining of life stages allows individuals to break free from monotonous cycles and reinvent their lives—a blessing indeed.
Age Agnosticism
Gratton and Scott advocate for an “age-agnostic”[7] approach, where age no longer determines life choices or career paths. With increasing life expectancy, the traditional linear life model—education, work, retirement—becomes outdated. Embracing an age-agnostic mindset means adopting a flexible, individualised approach that supports continuous learning, career changes, and personal growth at any age. This perspective encourages breaking free from societal age-based expectations and emphasises staying relevant and adaptable throughout life. The authors also call for institutional support to facilitate this shift, such as policies that promote lifelong learning and flexible career options. This approach enables individuals to contribute meaningfully at any stage of life, fostering more dynamic and fulfilling lives. Opportunities for retraining, reskilling, and transitioning to new careers that align with their evolving interests and capacities are essential for those able to work later in life. Perhaps this will lead to the blessing of a greater degree of interconnection and trust between the generations?
Curses
1 Kings 1:1 highlights the “curse” associated with the ageing process: “When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him.” [8] For those of us who have witnessed the ageing of loved ones, the difficulties that accompany growing older are all too familiar. These challenges are an inevitable part of life that we all must confront.
Gratton and Scott identify some of the clear curses associated with living longer.
Financial Challenges
The financial implications of living longer are a central concern in The 100-Year Life. Traditional retirement planning will be insufficient for those living decades longer than previous generations. Many will need to work beyond traditional retirement ages to ensure financial security, necessitating strategic saving and investment throughout life.
As I look back at my schooling, the educational system appears to be designed by the rich to keep the poor poor. Instead of teaching practical subjects like money management or investing, schools have traditionally focused on less immediately applicable topics like Latin and Pythagoras. Why? Society and schooling require a shift in financial education and planning and changes to public policy, including reforms in pension systems and social security.
The Role of Relationships
Longevity will significantly impact personal relationships and overall well-being. Gratton and Scott emphasise that strong social networks and healthy relationships are essential for maintaining a high quality of life over the long term. As people live longer, they are likely to experience multiple life transitions, such as career changes, relocations, and personal reinventions. Having a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues will be key to navigating these shifts. The church community offers a strong support system, providing social cohesion, spiritual guidance, and a sense of eternal purpose. The lasting impact of significant relationships will suffer as death comes to us all. The loss of key relationships necessitating the need to re-invent and add new relationships to the mix may seem tiresome to many, indeed, a curse.
While highlighting the blessings and curses contained in the book, I was struck by the critical role of intangible assets[9] —non-material resources such as health, skills, knowledge, relationships, and a sense of purpose—and the offering the church undeniably brings. As people live longer, these intangibles become increasingly important for sustaining well-being and adaptability. Unlike financial assets, intangibles are not easily measured but are essential for maintaining quality of life. Faith communities, like churches, contribute significantly to these intangibles by offering a sense of belonging, purpose, and spiritual assurance.
[1] Gratton, Lynda, and Andrew J. Scott. 2020. The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity. Reprint edition. Bloomsbury Publishing.
[2] Deuteronomy 30:19.
[3] Gratton & Scott, 3.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Unconfirmed viral social media post
[6] Gratton & Scott, 7.
[7] Ibid, 170.
[8] 1 Kings 1:1
[9] Gratton & Scott, Chapter 4, 85-125.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding, Lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 28 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 600 churches in our movement and have planted 88 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the European Lead for MM33, which is the church planting ministry for Assemblies of God Global and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!11 responses to “Life – Blessings and Curses”
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Hi Glyn,
Nice post.
You wrote, “While highlighting the blessings and curses contained in the book, I was struck by the critical role of intangible assets[9] —non-material resources such as health, skills, knowledge, relationships, and a sense of purpose—and the offering the church undeniably brings.”
Ahh the intangibles….I especially agree on relationships. While I seem to have grown prickly in my old age (so much less tolerant), I have deep personal relationships with people all over the world.
Call me a blasphemer, but I have to give a nod to Facebook. Facebook appeared in 2004. I moved to Hungary to work with http://www.goodsportinternational.org in 2005. Connecting with short term missions university teams in the states was almost instantaneous! (email had become to slow).
And through the medium I can connect (however deep I want to go) with people from my childhood. I have friends from the 3rd grade (in Hawaii) who keep tabs with me. Yes that would be 1967 folk.
If I can dampen my “grumpy old man” tendencies I pray that my network and relationships will carry me towards 100.
Shalom
Thanks for your thoughts, Russell. Ah yes, I think we all get a little less tolerant as we get older. Maybe we care less about what other people think? Facebook, in fact, all online tools enable certain beneficial connectivity when used correctly. My peer group for the doctoral program have forged great relationships using WhatsApp Messenger. This was very evident at our recent Advance in DC.
Hi Glyn,
In your understanding, what ways could an age-agnostic approach foster intergenerational trust and interconnectedness?
Hi Shela. A basic understanding that the older generations have the wisdom and experience to empower and equip younger generations would not go amiss. It is a shame that we live in a society where the older generation is not respected. Japan and other Asian cultures have managed to continue to foster such levels of respect. The arrogance of youth is a sense of “know it all” and “impatience.” If we can engender the mutual respect of all generations, imagine how incredible society would be?
Here are ten practical ways we could do it,
1. Valuing Contributions Over Age
2. Encouraging Open Dialogue
3. Breaking Down Stereotypes
4. Creating Shared Spaces
5. Cross-Generational Projects and Teams
6. Reducing Power Imbalances
7. Nurturing Empathy
8. Promoting Lifelong Learning
9. Shared Narratives
10. Celebrating Milestones Together
Hi Glyn, You mentioned the quote attributed to Richard Branson about him willing to trade wealth for youth. Maybe I am strange but I can’t imagine wanting to be young again. Each stage of life brings those blessings and curses. Can you take a look forward and think what or how your older life might look? And if so, where/how you might see God leading you in that stage? If the question is too out there, feel free to pass.
Dianne, I love this question. Just yesterday, I posted the following on Instagram and Facebook; I think it answers the question.
“Long obedience in the right direction matters. Creating drama and continual change of direction will not help you. Stick. Plant. Grow. Grow up. Overcome. Mature. Enjoy the fruit.”
In 30 years, I’ll cheer on the next generations of church leaders and preachers with my grandchildren and grandchildren playing around me. Hopefully, I will mentor leaders and enjoy the spoils of a long, well-lived, disciplined life.
Stick. Plant. Grow. Grow up. Overcome. Mature. Enjoy the fruit.”What a great answer Glyn. I see different areas where it could fit. Would you be amenable to me adopting/using it in some fashion? Of course I would site you.
Of course Diane – its yours
Glyn, thanks for your post. I appreciate the framing in terms of “blessings and curses”. I was also pondering the effect of failing memory and longevity as a potential curse.
I remember when we were at St. Aldates. Stephen Foster said that they have a desire to grow younger and grow outward. How might the church help prepare aging people to best steward their life as they move into senior years? How might we leverage an aging population to help the church grow younger?
Hi Graham. A few things come to mind. Firstly, I think we should begin to make our church congregations aware of longevity in life and that preparedness is the key. As preachers, the idea of being prepared theologically is ever present, so it is an easy add-on to any sermon series. Practically speaking, however, many churches, especially in the Pentecostal and Charismatic world, have always focussed on children and youth ministries, but perhaps a higher recognition and focus on older age ministries will enable “retired” people to find new leases of life in the community and church. Lastly, speaking on health is an important aspect of any church. Not just spiritual, emotional and mental health but also physical and financial health series, programs and ministries.
Hi Glyn, I echo Graham’s appreciation for the way you used the biblical example of “blessings and curses.” As I was reading the authors’ data on the ill-preparedness of many regarding finances, I couldn’t help but think of many pastors who might not be financially set up for a longer life. How do you foresee a longer lifespan affecting how churches financially care for their leadership?