Transition (Peralihan) is a Journey…
Overview
Based on Amazon [1] and Career Pivot [2] the book, “The 100 Year: Living and Working in the Age of Longevity” [3] by Linda Gratton and Andrew Scott has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 1144 ratings reviewers. Readers appreciate the thought-provoking nature of the book and its practical advice on adapting to longer life expectancies. Some reviewers mentioned that it was an eye opener, and it provided valuable perspective tips on how to plan for a longer life. Another reviewer described the book as fascinating and highlighted its focus on the financial implications of a 100-year life. In reading in these comments, I too agree that it is a practical and a fun book to read. Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott [4] have made significant contributions to the understanding of how longer life spans are shaping work, retirement and personal finance. It caused me to think about my retirement and my finances. This book makes sense!
Transition
The authors argued that with people living longer and healthier lives, the traditional retirement age of 65 is outdated. They provide practical advice on how to stay productive and engaged in work, manage finances and maintain personal relationships over a longer lifespan. The book also emphasizes the importance of building both tangible and intangible assets, such as skills and social networks, to a fulfilling life.
The 100-Year Life, emphasizes the importance of navigating transitions throughout the various stages of a longer life. The authors conveyed that the traditional life stages of education, work, and retirement are no longer adequate for a 100-year lifespan. They advocated for a more fluid and flexible approach to these transitions. They pointed out the following:
- Continuous learning: Emphasized the need for ongoing education and skill development throughout life to stay relevant in the job market.
- Career changes: Encourages individuals to embrace multiple career changes and explore different roles and industries over their lifetime.
- Financial planning: Highlights the importance of planning for a longer retirement period and managing finances to ensure financial stability throughout life.
- Personal relationships: Stresses the need to maintain and nurture personal relationships, as they play a crucial role in overall well-being and support during transitions.
- Health and wellness: Focusses on maintaining physical and mental health to ensure a high quality of life during all stage.
“The gift of living for longer means you don’t have to be forced into either/or choices.” This statement leads to the topic of transitions.[5] “The 100-Year Life” highlights the importance of navigating transitions throughout an extended lifespan. The authors advocate for moving away from a rigid, linear approach to life stages and instead embracing a dynamic, flexible model. This model encourages continuous learning, multiple careers, thoughtful financial planning, nurturing relationships, and prioritizing health. By adapting to the challenges and opportunities that a longer life presents, these transitions foster a balanced and fulfilling existence.
It is interesting how the authors compared teenagers and retirees in the process of transition. They compared teenagers and retirees by highlighting the similarities in their experiences of transition. Both groups face significant life changes and uncertainties as they navigate new phases of life. Teenagers are often figuring out their identities, education paths, and future careers, while retirees are rethinking their roles, purposes, and how to spend their newfound time. The book suggests that both stages require adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, emphasizing that transitions can be a time for growth and exploration, regardless of age.
My takeaway
I enjoyed reading “The 100 Year” because it provides practical insights as I think about my retirement, my long-term financial goals, health and relationships. The book provoked the question, if my husband and I will enough for retirement, to maintain the rising cost of health care, ability to enjoy travelling around the world as we do now and so forth. We have been thinking about moving to Malaysia once I finish my doctoral program. My desire is to work from anywhere around the world (100% remote). My husband I often discuss retirement with concerns. One the other hand we trust that God has His hands over our lives. We have responsible with God’s provisions. God has always provided us even during lay-offs and recessions.
This book is a comprehensive guide to living a balanced, fulfilling life in an age where living to 100 increasingly common:
- Preparation for a longer life: It provides a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of living a longer life, helping me plan and adapt. I like to retire from my current work and do something different. [6]
- Financial insights: It emphasizes the importance of financial planning and offers practical advice on managing money over a prolonged lifespan. I will be speaking to a financial adviser through my work. [7]
- Career flexibility: It encourages embracing multiple careers and continuous learning to stay relevant and fulfilled.
- Health and wellbeing: I believe in self-care. The book emphasizes maintaining physical and mental care.
- Personal relationships: It highlights the role of nurturing personal relationships to ensure a support system throughout life.
[1] The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity: Gratton, Lynda, Scott, Andrew: 9781472930156: Amazon.com: Books
[2] The 100-Year Life – A Fascinating Book [Book Review] – Career Pivot
[3] Gratton and Scott, The 100 Year Life: Living and Working in the Age of Longevity
[4] Lynda Gratton: The 100-Year Life – YouTube
[5] Gratton and Scott, The 100 Year Life, page 5.
[6] Gratton and Scott, The 100 Year Life, page 149.
[7] Gratton and Scott, The 100 Year Life, page 27.
About the Author
Shela Sullivan
Born and raised on the vibrant Penang Island in Malaysia, I cherish the Malaysian greeting, “Mari Makan!!” which reflects the warmth of shared meals. Since 1996, I have called Oregon my home enjoying the raindrops and the serenity of its beaches. The ocean connects me to nature and energizes me. I am a Wife - Mentor - Traveling Pastor - Sourcing Manager Construction. Favorite Bible Verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4~ I reside with my husband, David and our fur-baby Rolo. We share passions for travelling, culture, diverse cuisines, home improvements, classic cars and humor.9 responses to “Transition (Peralihan) is a Journey…”
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Hi Shela, I enjoyed reading your take aways on this book, particularly the personal reflection that it led you to do. Have you noticed areas that you are needing to shift towards or away from as you living in different seasons of your life? How might this impact your leadership context?
Hi Diane,
Thank you for your question.
Yes, every now and then I do think about my future especially retirement, my health and the savings. I am not sure how it will impact my leadership context. I can’t pin-point how it would.
Hi Shela,
Nice post. Very Comprehensive. I too enjoyed the mental checklists that the authors provide for us to navigate the 100 year journey.
From my Blog Post Epilogue.
We were warned about leaving food out and leaving food out with small children. The quiet Slovak hills were loaded with bears who wandered into the campsite looking for snacks (little kids included).
Apparently, old men with coffee cups (although I discovered bears love the smell of coffee) are less tasty. The quiet of the Kalacno forest surrounding our soccer field (substitute for a baseball field) was quiet, calming and I felt at peace with the world. Soon 200 children and staff would emerge in organized laughter and chaos, but this moment was mine.
Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits for Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead, by Marcus Warner and Jim Wilder | Mar 18, 2016, speaks to my return to Eastern Europe this summer. Chaotic baseball and soccer drills, games, and bad camp food were knocking on my mental and spiritual door. The following I week I would be in Ukraine, then Hungary (the place of 26 years of missions’ work).
I was happy.
I also rediscovered my joy and perhaps my next stage of life’s GOD purpose – GoodSports Director for Ukraine and straight out of left field, GoodSports Kenya.
Apparently, at 65, God is not finished with me yet.
Let the games begin!
Shalom…
Hi Russell,
Thank you for reading my post and for sharing your story.
Before I forget, did anyone tell you class that you have to do 8 responses to your classmates to get an A for the assignment? Jen McNab keeps track and gives the number to Dr. Clark. I am not sure when we figured this out. But please let your class mates know.
Shalom…
Hi Russell,
Yes, we are aware that we have to respond to 8 blogs.
I hope your final project is going well. I do not recall where you are located.
Hello I am at the foothills of Greenhorn Mountain in Rye, Colorado.
Hi Sheila, does this book have any implications for leadership in your current context? Do you have staff at the typical retirement age of 65 that may continue beyond 65? If so, have you considered any flexibility for those staff in that age?
Hi Shela,
What is one thing you want to do differently in preparing for your future from reading this book?