The Gift of the 100-Year Life
In The 100-Year Life, authors Lynda Gratton and Andrew J. Scott contend that we live in the age of longevity. They consider the 100-year life an increasing reality and a gift that should be wisely planned for and reimagined. They ask, “How will you make the most of this gift?”[1] I appreciate this perspective and hope to answer their essential question as I make my way through this blog post. I was pleasantly surprised to discover some of my decisions and experiences fit with what the authors present, but I’m also concerned about areas that require further consideration. It resonates that multiple careers and pivots are part of longevity. A fulfilling and meaningful pattern has emerged from the unexpected pivots and changes I’ve had to make throughout my life. No experience is wasted.
Gratton and Scott explain how the three-stage life, consisting of education, employment, and retirement in that exact order, gives way to a multi-stage life with many creative options based on individual preferences and circumstances.[2] The idea that many alternative approaches are available opens up a multitude of possibilities and meaningful contributions. In the three-stage model, order matters. I’ve learned that it doesn’t and that forging my own path has been my best option. Transformational assets, identity, and self-knowledge stood out as critical to maneuvering through the multi-stage life.
Transformational Assets
Transformational assets reflect one’s ability to manage transitions well and learn how to deal with life’s inevitable uncertainties. These transitions are threshold or liminal spaces in which changes occur in our life circumstances. What was once considered familiar and secure has given way to the unknown and unpredictable.[3] Internal and external forces can bring on these transitions, which are often challenging to navigate. Transitions require patience and discernment. I imagine we’ve all had multiple transition points and acquired skills that make the adjustments easier. A few skills I’ve learned are flexibility, slowing down, normalizing the change, looking at challenges as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual transformation, and knowing that what I lose will be counted as gain.
Identity
The topic of identity has come up in much of our reading these past two years. Simon Walker, JR Woodward, Martin Bunton, and Francis Fukuyama broadened my understanding of what shapes identity. Gratton and Scott note, “The forces that shape the living of a long life are economic, and financial, psychological and social, medical and demographic.”[4] They add more nuance when they invite us to consider the “Who am I?” question and assert that the answer is more about our values and what we base our lives upon. They suggest asking our older selves what we would think of ourselves now. I’ve been asking myself similar questions for years. I’m not crafting a false self or relying on my roles or achievements, but instead stopping to consider how my choices in my current situation match what I value most, align with God’s call, and my current stage of life. Identity formation requires self-reflection.
Self-knowledge
Gratton and Scott emphasized the importance of understanding yourself, being willing to receive feedback, and engaging in self-reflection.[5] Personal reflection and humility were highlighted and demonstrated during our Advance in Washington, D.C. Along with the idea that leaders need to practice these skills regularly, we witnessed this in every speaker as they shared their experiences of transition and challenge. What a gift! Transformation and growth as leaders come from honest reflection, making course corrections, and living out our values in humble obedience to God’s call. Dr. Clark, Brett Fuller, Tammy Dunahoo, Jim Wallis, Mack McLarty, and Shirley Hoogstra all shared stories of how they had to pivot and grow when unexpected changes occurred. They inspire me to continue to seek God’s will in uncertain and transitional times, knowing that things might not turn out as I hope but might turn out better than I imagine.
The 100-Year Life complements what Richard Rohr wrote about two significant tasks of life in his book Falling Upward, “The first task is to build a strong “container” or identity; the second is to find the contents that the container was meant to hold.”[6] The fourth stage Gratton and Scott describe is second half of life work. Careful planning, a specialized skill set, and a willingness to let go of old identities create space for a more integrated self to emerge in the second half of life.
Aging doesn’t bother me very much. I’ve looked forward to every new decade with anticipation and curiosity. I wonder and sometimes worry about what new opportunities and challenges might come my way and my ability to cope. I’ve also learned that God seems to prepare me for what comes next. While transitions may be challenging, I can utilize the skills I have and learn new ones. I’ve gained perspective on life’s joys, challenges, and beauty from those who have lived long. I remember those whose lives were cut short and I’m reminded to be present and appreciate the life I’m living. A long life is a blessing that should not be taken for granted. I’m realistic about aging, the importance of good health care, financial security, and a strong community.
For a brief time, my family was five-generational. That rare gift creates a connection to those who have gone before and who are coming after me. Planning for a 100-year life is wise, but I must hold my plans loosely and prayerfully. Life is a gift from God. I’m not guaranteed a long one. The 100-Year Life serves as a reminder that at any age, we can continue to contribute in diverse ways for the common good and be fulfilled while doing so.
[1] Lynda Gratton and Andrew J. Scott The 100 Year-Life: Living and Working in the Age of Longevity (Bloomsbury: London, UK, 2020), 2.
[2] Gratton and Scott, The 100-Year Life, 9-10.
[3] Ibid., 115-117.
[4] Ibid., 16.
[5] Ibid., 120.
[6] Richard Rohr, Falling Upwards: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life Revised & Updated (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2024), xv.
About the Author
Jenny Dooley
Jenny served as a missionary in Southeast Asia for 28 years. She currently resides in Gig Harbor, Washington, where she works as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Spiritual Director in private practice with her husband, Eric. Jenny loves to listen and behold the image of God in others. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family which include 5 amazing adult children, 3 awesome sons-in-law, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and 8 delightful grandchildren.8 responses to “The Gift of the 100-Year Life”
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Hello Jenny Dooley! FYI, for some reason my computer always wants to autocorrect your name to all caps. I think that is fitting. Anyhow, onto my reflection from your post:
It made me consider—how do we balance planning for a long, fulfilling life with the unpredictability of God’s plan? Can we truly prepare for both? I don’t know because I know God has a plan but I don’t always feel I know exactly what it is … is that the sign of a weak prayer life? Argh! Now I’m doubting my faithfulness … lol – not too much though – your post hasn’t given me an existential crisis 🙂
Hi Mathieu,
Thanks for your response and I’m glad to hear my post didn’t cause an existential crises! I think when we are pondering God’s plan for our lives that’s where holding things loosely comes in. We don’t know what comes next so we walk by faith. I also think that knowing and welcoming our desires as a way God speaks to us of our purpose/God’s plan is helpful. It’s frustrating when we don’t sense God’s will and there is definitely tension with that. I also regularly visit John 1:35-39 where Jesus asks those who were literally following him, “What do you want?” I hear this with a gentle tone that draws us into discovery. Ultimately, they wanted to stay with him (a wise way to discover his plan). But the question he asks is important and not easily answered. Well, that was my sermon for the day. 🙂 I had to make a shift in my thinking about what God’s plan looked like in my daily life and that passage brought some freedom to me as does Psalm 37:4. Someone once challenged me to think of my purpose, God’s will, or plan (I’m not sure there is a distinction) in terms of my next faithful response which could be anything! These last 10 days God’s plan has been babysitting my grandson. I’m OK with that!
Hi Jenny,
A great post.
You wrote, “A few skills I’ve learned are flexibility, slowing down, normalizing the change, looking at challenges as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual transformation, and knowing that what I lose will be counted as gain.
I so enjoy your focus on spiritual growth. Yesterday, I took the Prayer of Examen, shared it with Adam, who immediately used it in our prayer time. Nice.
I guess I didn’t see a focus on spiritual growth in the book.
Another thing you said, “Planning for a 100-year life is wise, but I must hold my plans loosely and prayerfully. Life is a gift from God. I’m not guaranteed a long one. ”
To be frank I did not expect to make it this far. However, my focus in this, my ending period is truly on what God wants.
I remember in the Sounds of Silence there was a talk of legacy. I am not sure I bought into that idea. It would mean focusing on the past and not wondering about God’s plan for the future.
Shalom…
Hi Russell,
Thanks for responding to my post. I was bummed to miss our prayer time Sunday but it was a sweet time with my dad, daughter, and grandson…4 generations under my roof! I’m envious of the examen practice you and Adam shared. Can we do it this Sunday?
I think about longevity more than I probably should. I had grandparents who lived to 95, and another set to 75, while my mom and sister died in their mid-40’s. Life is precious!
I feel the same as you about legacy. I can’t make that happen and what I might think is my legacy may not be what others perceive. If anything, I think legacy is about being present and allowing God to do what he wills with that.
See you Sunday!
Jenny, First of all I can’t believe you wrote this on the plane home from DC! I couldn’t even see straight and you wrote a thoughtful blog post!
You wrote, “but instead stopping to consider how my choices in my current situation match what I value most, align with God’s call, and my current stage of life.” Sometimes I get down on myself about not being financially where my husband and I would like to be. But if I widen the lens, I can see how our earlier choices of time with our kids vs making money, have shaped our kids for the good. Those choices have also shaped me as a person that I am mostly happy with. Thank you for writing this and helping me consider my life choices.
Hi Kally, I had half of it written before our flight, not that it was coming together very well as I kept plugging away at in the wee hours of the morning in DC. Thank you for your kind words!
I ran out of word count so didn’t specifically name my areas of concern. As with you, the financial piece was at the top of my list. I don’t regret the decisions I made to be present to my family and create connections for my children with their grandparents and family back in the US. I shudder to think how much money we spent on travel across the Pacific Ocean for all seven of us and now wherever my kids and grandchildren happen to be. I don’t regret living simply so we could travel within Asia and continue ministering. God has been faithful and will continue to be. And, like you, I’m most happy with the life I have and the financial choices I’ve made. While I’m secretly pleased that I have a son-in-law that would happily let us live with them, we’re doing just fine! 🙂
Jenny,
I do not think I’ve ever read a post or an article where a person admits that they don’t mind aging–in fact, you wrote: “Aging doesn’t bother me very much. I’ve looked forward to every new decade with anticipation and curiosity. I wonder and sometimes worry about what new opportunities and challenges might come my way and my ability to cope. I’ve also learned that God seems to prepare me for what comes next.”
It seems to me you live your life leaning into the present moments God has ordained for you. I appreciate your ability to not live with discontent or nostalgia–at least in this area of life.
I am taking your post as a challenge this semester to lean in to this decade I am in believing God had already provided and equipped for what I am about to do!
Hi Pam,
Thank you for responding to my post. I think my optimism about aging has to do with how much time I spent with the elderly growing up. I was intrigued by their stories and life experiences. I sort of intuitively understood that I could learn much from people who have lived a lot of life and had hope for eternity even as they shared the tragedies of their lives. I also sense I’m working toward something even as my body moves slower. My mom and sister died so young that I just feel very grateful for each day I have. I’m excited to hear more about what God has in store for you next!