The Gift of Time
The 100 Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity was co-authored by psychologist, Lynda Gratton who is considered one of the top 10 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50[1]and Andrew J. Scott, professor of economics with a focus on the financial aspect of living a long life.[2] The authors approach this subject from their respective disciplines, delving into the impact a long life has on finances needed throughout the lifespan and the physical, intellectual, fears, and social emotional aspects of aging. Throughout the blog I will take a look at concepts discussed by the authors, how I see them interacting with my life and finally, some possible impacts this topic has on leadership.
A significant portion of the book spoke about financial realities for senior adults depending on the retirement funds saved during their most productive working years. I enjoyed reading the information as this part of the book felt personal. However, I did not see it changing my way of life. Having worked in non-profit settings most of my adult life, I would be a bit late to the party if I thought I could amass a huge retirement nest-egg that would carry me to 100. I am now working past the minimum retirement age, living debt free and honestly believe that by the time I stop working, my needs, wants, and activities will diminish so that I won’t be spending as much. My accessible home and long-term care insurance will also help bridge the gap as my health declines so that I won’t be a burden on others. More than that my faith encourages me to trust that following the service God put on my heart is sufficient no matter how I would need to live.
One portion of the book that stood out to me was the impact of technology on the workforce. Depending on when someone was born, the person’s approach or acceptance of technology might be different. While some people may fear that technology could replace people in the workforce, it also offers new opportunities to access and synthesize information while also making processes easier to accomplish.[3] My question isn’t about how to use technology. However, I do wonder if future technological advances will negatively tip the balance with unintended consequences on personal privacy.
In so much of our work in the DLGP the element of self-awareness is important. Whether it was by seeking clarity with a coach as Tom Comacho espouses[4] or taking the diagnostic resource on the 100yearlife.com website, awareness of ourselves in relation to a world where longevity is increasing is important. Psychological, practical, and financial aspects of aging are real.[5] In that light, the discussion about our lives going through different transitions was worth reading.
Previously, common transitions included education, work, and retirement[6]. Today, the work stage is prolonged and often filled with multiple iterations. It is no longer the norm for someone to stay in one job for a whole career as once was the standard. Today, people change both places of employment but also their field. As I grew up, my parents and their friends worked in the same jobs for their entire lives. The authors think the elongated work stage could be an exciting gift, allowing people to be productive for a longer portion of their lives in a number of different positions.[7] I have worked in about five different career settings. While my current job has been the longest, I do not anticipate it to be the last. As I read this section of the book, it seemed the authors were telling a common story.
There is another gift that time provides. Using personal example, there is one gift for which I am ever grateful and do not take lightly. I have been married for 42 years. All marriages go through typical stages. Mine included the newly wed early bliss, the beauty, joy, fatigue and fears in child rearing, the bittersweet launching of adolescents, navigating the empty nest, grandchildren, and now the sweet realization that God has gifted me with someone who loves me deeply in a way that was nearly impossible all those years ago when we were busy with family and work. Without living to this age and anticipating the gift of whatever years we have; I would have missed a spectacular journey.
Each of us can decide if we think living a long life is a gift or a curse. When parts of our earthly body begin to fail to the point of shrinking our world, there is still another gift that I learned from my mother-in-law. She lived to be 97 but lost much of her eyesight as she aged. She worried about being a burden on her family. Yet what we realized is that all of her grandchildren were, independently, calling her to pray for them. Once we gave her the title of family pray warrior, she again had a purpose, peace and joy.
The impact on leadership this book brings is the need for balance and awareness. Leaders need to be cognizant of the value younger generation employees offer regarding cutting edge techniques, energy, and technology that can enhance a company. This group may also become impatient waiting for older employees to retire opening doors to career advancement. The drive to succeed may be strong. At the same time, employers need to recognize the value of wisdom and experience older employees bring while still holding them accountable for production. The authors were looking for the book to spur conversations on the journey of aging.[8] Mission accomplished.
[1] Lynda Gratton and Andrew J. Scott, The 100 Year Life Living and Working in an Age of Longevity (London, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020), A Note On The Authors.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.,74.
[4] Tom Comacho, Mining for Gold, Developing Kingdom Leaders through Coaching (London, Inter-Varsity Press, 2019), 48.
[5] www.100yearlife.com/diagnostic accesses 10.2.2024, 8:45pm.
[6] Gratton, Ibid., 35.
[7] Ibid., 56.
[8] Ibid., 319.
About the Author
Diane Tuttle
16 responses to “The Gift of Time”
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Hi Diane,
In what ways has your personal or career journey reflected the trends discussed in the book?
Hi Shela, Thanks for reading and the question. Aside from the ones that I shared in the blog, I would say transformation is a necessary component for people regardless of age but especially for those who are living and working longer than, perhaps, they expected.
Thanks so much, Diane. Reflecting on the concept of “multiple iterations” in careers that Gratton and Scott highlight, how can organisations balance the retention of experienced employees with the integration of younger talent to ensure that wisdom and innovation coexist harmoniously in a multigenerational workforce?
Hi Glyn, Thanks for reading and the question. I think one way is to continually have leadership teams have strategic conversations where the give and take is encouraged. Additionally, if people feel like there are growth opportunities, they see benefit. While growth could be “climbing the ladder” those aren’t the only opportunities for growth. Sometimes it is gaining opportunities to learn then use new techniques or develop new services.
I love the story of your mother-in-law finding purpose as a prayer warrior! How can you cultivate and call out the purpose and role of the people around you in similar ways?
Hi Ryan, thanks for the question. In different ways I try to do that with the employees who report to me the most. I love finding their gold and sharing my perceptions with it, probably not always perfectly for sure. Yet when it happens well, they seem surprised that someone noticed, and maybe they didn’t even notice prior to that.
Diane, I enjoyed reading your blog and your personal interaction with the book. I appreciated your focus on your marriage as a great gift and the richness of life together. It’s such a blessing.
I also appreciated the story of your grandmother who had a renewed sense of calling. My sense that that this was a continuation of something that God had been weaving into her life all along and was consistent with his purpose for her.
How do you think churches can help older adults reposition themselves for ministry and missional impact?
Thanks for the question Graham because I do think it is worth pondering. My initial response may seem too simple but maybe a piece of a larger plan. I think all people need to be invited to serve where they are gifted and able. For my mother in law she was a consistent choir member for most of her life and only stopped as her eyesight failed. I think her family recognizing and then naming that gift for her was a part of it. She had to pivot her expectations of what service meant and as family the affirmation bouyed her. I think those two concepts could be part of a congregation’s make up. I am writing this smiling thinking of a congregation that has an army of people praying for the children, teens, parents, single people – you name it. Several years ago, I served on an officer nominating committee for my church. We invited an older gentleman who was not able to get out as often to become a deacon. He was pretty surprised and asked what he could offer the church. We asked him to be part of the prayer ministry. He served until he died.
Diane,
I was waiting for the story from the Library of Congress. I’ m am wondering what you think your next career will be? You shared with us in DC the story of events leading up to your wedding. Congratulations on 42 years. How do you think being married for 42 years has impacted your life expectancy?
Hi Jeff, Thanks – pretty amazing to me to be this blessed. I definitely think my life is different because of David. Not sure how it impacts my life expectancy but is has surely impacted the quality of whatever time we have.
Hi Diane, great post! I loved the title of prayer warrior for your mother-in-law.
As I was reading The 100-Year Life, my husband realized that we could be married for nearly 80 years! That’s incredible – I never dreamed of being married beyond 50 years. With that being said, how do you encourage younger married couples to cultivate a marriage that may last for decades?
Hi Christy, Thanks for reading and the question. My answers may seem simple but I think the things I listed hit the our most important elements.
1. Keep God as the center of our lives and marriage, thanking God for our spouse and guiding our way.
2. Remember why we first loved our spouse, especially when in the midst of hectic life, crisis, etc.
3. Say I am sorry when we do something that hurts the other.
4. Spend time together, sharing the mundane, highlights and anything in between.
5. Enjoy life together.
6. Remember our spouse is not God so don’t epect perfection.,
Those are my biggies. I am sure there is much more. Blessings on your marriage.
Diane, I thought of you as I read this book. I have admired your willingness to work on your doctorate past the “normal” retirement age. You were my real-life example as I read about the changes in life stages, the need to be flexible and adaptable, and creative in preparing for a longer life. I kept thinking, “That’s what Diane is doing!” Thanks for being a Godly example of living a life devoted to the Lord’s leading.
Thanks for sharing that Kari, your comments came at a good time for me and are encouraging.
Hi, Diana, I like the fact that you mentioned the importance of family and meaningful life over the longevity. In my case, I am 52yrs old, the book reinforced the idea of financial preparedness. What would be your advice? Thanks again.
Hi Noel, Your question is good but my response might not give you a concrete answer. I think each person has to decide what is important to him/her. For me it was more important to work in a nonprofit organization that for a for-profit company that offered a pension. Consequently, I needed to personally save for retirement without the assurance of the pension. Ultimately, I will live with the consequences of that decision but also, I trust that God has gifted me with various resources that will aid in whatever the furture brings. So, I guess what I am saying is, if you are able, put a little money aside to help for retirement financial needs, even if your employer does it too. Peace.