The 100 Year life--how to make the most of it

Lynda Gratton got my attention with "The Shift" that contained a lot of provocative ideas, but as important had a unique presentation.  Trying to predict the future is a bit dangerous, but she developed a format that was helpful--she used fictional scenarios, but adjusted variables ranging from best to worst likelihood.  Here is a link for my review of her well worth reading book that is consistent with her latest endeavor.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/04/shift.html  I felt "The Shift" was the best book read in that year.

With "the 100 Year Life" she with co- author Andrew Scott are venturing onto new territory.  Longer life.  It is futuristic because it is still rare for humans to survive 100 years, but you may start to notice it is becoming more common  A great opportunity, but not without problems.

As in "The Shift" Lynda uses fictional characters to illustrate her points.  The first character born about the same time as me, like me has stumbled through life and with a little luck is set for a normal retirement.  The second character is younger and with a longer life expectancy and financial stresses will have to make adjustments.  Her third character, a younger girl knows she has a longer life expectancy and has to prepare for it well in advance.

The first concern for individuals is how to finance a retirement.  At one time few made it to retirement.  With life expectancy creeping up to 100 we have to consider how we can afford to live that long.  The two main ideas are to work longer and/or save more

At the same time the job situation is changing.  Technology threatens us in many ways.  The authors see some hope.

The authors see a need for people to change their job skills over the years.  Education can help, but needs to be flexible.  A long life with jobs can place stress on relationships and the authors believe everyone will need to spend time cultivating networks and to maintain intimate relationships.  It is important to realize that your reputation is your brand and that will be critical to make transitions.

With a long life and uncertain job prospects it is wise to keep consumption levels low as they tend to be maintained.  At times individuals will have to transition and will have to curb their spending.  Deferring gratification will be critical to learn new skills.

The core belief is that society will no longer function on the three stage life cycle of education then work then retirement.  The book is full of ideas of how to rethink the opportunities as well as the problems.

It is expected that there will be resistance from corporations and government.  The changes are most likely to come from people at the grassroots level.  What is needed is not just pension reform, but more flexibility.  We stand to not only allow more people a more enjoyable satisfying life but also to break down age barriers and segregation.  Part time education will increase to meet the demands of an ever changing economy.  The authors feel workers will have to not only develop specialized skills, but would also benefit for a liberal education that would encourage flexibility.

Many years ago I read the prologue to George Bernard Shaw's "Back to Methusalah" where he contended that if people lived much longer they would learn to organize government better and avoid violence.  Andrew and Lynda contend that issues like climate change will take a different perspective when we realize we and our children will have to live with the environment.

The authors admonish young people to get out to vote.  They are the ones who have the most years ahead of them and they need to be represented by people who understand the issues that help more people to be empowered by a longer life.

If you are younger than 50 this is a critical read for you.  If you are over 50 it is very useful to understand trends and survive more comfortably.  For more thoughts go to www.100yearlife.com

Why I write a blog

Right up front, writing a blog stokes my vanity.  I imagine my viewpoints, although often overlooked are actually what the world needs to pay more attention to.  Besides I express myself entertainingly or at least I find it entertaining.   I feel good just being able to express what I think is right.  Truly that is reason number one.

Another reason is to remember.  As I get older I can regurgitate a lot of old stuff, but everything is fading.  There are lots of unpleasant things and other stuff that bores me, but there is also stuff that changed my life in the right direction or at least made it more enjoyable.  My daughter Heather gave me a book that pointed out the best way to do better in your future is to remember the good and successful things in your past.  This honestly is reason number two

So these two factors drive me:  selfishness and fear.  But there is more.

Sometimes I imagine that my words can actually make a difference.  Change somebody's mind or at least open them  up to other possibilities.  Recently I used a George Bernard Shaw quote in my newsletter  “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” that had been  retweeted by Butch Bellah.  Well I have changed my mind more than a few times and expect there will be more changes.  The hardest change requires me to admit "I was wrong".  I prefer "I discovered a different point of view and it makes sense."  Including persuading you to spend money to my advantage, changing your mind is reason number three--still very important.

Maturing might be over-rated because admittedly I am still stuck in some old ways of doing things and thinking.  Nostalgia plays a role in my life.  But I am also a bit embarrassed about some things in my past, but you won't have to read about too many of them.  There are lots of exciting and purposeful things to look forward to in the future.

One of the big questions from my viewpoint is "Why?"  Why are we who we are?  Why are you (and they) the way you (and they) are?  We don't usually think about it, but everyone is the result of everything else that happened up to that point.

Another question is How can we get more out of life?  Although you and I are the way we  are  because of things that happened in the past, can we make decisions that make us better and allow us to enjoy life more in the future?

Why now?  I think of September as the beginning of a new year, a new opportunity to change direction, re-examine the past.  You can do that anytime, but it is sometimes easier when you can rig an excuse or the natural order of things reminds you.

I would be derelict if I didn't give some credit to my enabler.  My daughter Heather set up a blog for me one year and although curious I ignored it.  She reminded me of it and with that extra boost I got my feet wet and discovered I really enjoy it.  Thank you Heather.

After all is said and done I am disappointed if I haven't influenced your thinking in any positive manner (that is, closer to how I think), but I am vain enough to just like spouting off and fearful enough that I will forget that I plan to keep on blogging.  Oh, if you see something that you disagree with or you think not worth your time--there is no extra charge.