{"id":38625,"date":"2024-10-07T06:30:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T13:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=38625"},"modified":"2024-09-30T08:39:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T15:39:01","slug":"life-blessings-and-curses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/life-blessings-and-curses\/","title":{"rendered":"Life – Blessings and Curses"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity<\/em>, [1]<\/strong><\/a><\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

The Bible also touches on the concepts of blessings and curses, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19: \u201cThis 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.\u201d[2]<\/a> \u00a0The 100-Year Life<\/em> offers examples of the blessings and curses that accompany longer living.[3]<\/a> I will consider three blessings and three curses expounded in the text.<\/p>\n

Blessings <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Gift of Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most significant blessings discussed in the book is the “gift of time.” As the authors note, life is \u201cfull of possibilities, and the gift is a gift of time.\u201d [4]<\/a> 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]<\/a> 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\u2014experiences that are invaluable despite the uncertainties posed by challenges like pandemics, wars, and economic crises.<\/p>\n

Review of Life Stages<\/strong><\/p>\n

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]<\/a> \u00a0As 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014a blessing indeed.<\/p>\n

Age Agnosticism<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gratton and Scott advocate for an “age-agnostic”[7]<\/a> approach, where age no longer determines life choices or career paths. With increasing life expectancy, the traditional linear life model\u2014education, work, retirement\u2014becomes 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?<\/p>\n

Curses <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

1 Kings 1:1 highlights the \u201ccurse\u201d associated with the ageing process: \u201cWhen King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him.\u201d [8]<\/a> \u00a0For 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.<\/p>\n

Gratton and Scott identify some of the clear curses associated with living longer.<\/p>\n

Financial Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

The financial implications of living longer are a central concern in The 100-Year Life<\/em>. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Role of Relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

While highlighting the blessings and curses contained in the book, I was struck by the critical role of intangible assets[9]<\/a> \u2014non-material resources such as health, skills, knowledge, relationships, and a sense of purpose\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> Gratton, Lynda, and Andrew J. Scott. 2020. The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity<\/em>. Reprint edition. Bloomsbury Publishing.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Deuteronomy 30:19.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> Gratton & Scott, 3.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Unconfirmed viral social media post<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> Gratton & Scott, 7.<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Ibid, 170.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> 1 Kings 1:1<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Gratton & Scott, Chapter 4, 85-125.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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