Living to 100 Years Old- Is it a Curse?

Contributed By: The Big Fat Whale

It is like a miracle to live beyond the century mark in the past but it is no longer a rarity in today’s world. Japan have the tradition of giving a small swallow bowl made of silver (silver sakazuki) to celebrate those who have reached this grand milestone. It is meant for a ceremonial sip of the sake. Soon after, there will even be a letter of commendation sent to them from the Prime Minister.

Given the numbers reaching beyond 100, the government is looking to downgrade the award. Currently, the centenarian population stands at 86,510 in 2020 as compared to 153 when the records started in 1963. 

100 Year Life

Recently, we just completed reading the 100 Year Life by Lynda Gratton & Andrew Scott and have gained useful insights from their work. What is notable would be if you are in your 40s, there is a 50% probability you will live to 95 years of age. If you are in your 20s, there is a 50% probability you will live to 105 years of age.

What it signifies is that being a centenarian would be a norm rather than an outlier in the future. It brings us to a great paradox of what it entails to our life, society, economy and social structure.

Here is the link for the full article:

https://thebigfatwhale.com/living-to-100-years-old-is-it-a-curse/