Century Club: Yay or Nay?

Picture this: you're blowing out 100 candles, grandkids galore, and a "Happy Birthday" shout-out on the morning news. Sounds dreamy, right? But hold on a sec... Do you really want to live to be 100?

It's a legit question! Believe it or not, a recent poll showed that over half of people would actually refuse treatment that could extend their lifespan to a whopping 120 years!

The Truth About Turning 100

Despite all the anti-aging hype, Father Time remains undefeated. The reality of hitting the century mark comes with some serious baggage. Think about it: if you're 100, your kids are likely pushing 80! You might outlive your spouse, your siblings, even your own children. And let's be honest, most of your friends will probably have shuffled off this mortal coil.

The Downside of Long Life

Let's face it, at 100, your hearing and eyesight might not be so hot. And remember where you put your keys? Yeah, me neither! Plus, no financial advisor plans for you living that long, so you could totally run out of cash!

Did you know a staggering 63% of young folks think forgetting names is a sign of old age? Ouch!

The Sweet Spot

Most folks just want to make it to 90, which is still a solid 12+ years beyond the current US life expectancy (around 77.5). But only a tiny fraction of Americans (like 9%) are aiming for that 100+ goal.

The Odds Aren't in Your Favor

Relax, the chances of actually reaching 100 are slim. Recent studies show that only about 5% of baby girls born today will make it, and for guys, it's even lower (less than 2%).

How Far We've Come

Think about it, back in 1900, the average lifespan was only 47! We've already experienced a massive life extension in the last century. Before that, lifespans only increased by a year per century. But starting in 1900, we've been adding roughly three years per decade!

The Future of Longevity

So, what if we experience another life extension boom? By 2100, we could be looking at an average lifespan of 110! But are we already pushing the limits of quality of life at 77.5? How much more can our bodies take?

Wisdom from Centenarians

What do people who've actually lived to 100 have to say about it?

• Reflecting on the Past: They often reminisce about childhood, family, and key life moments. They think a lot about people they've known, especially those who are gone, making them feel like a link to the past.
• Having a Purpose: They emphasize the importance of having a reason to get up in the morning. This could be family, community involvement, or hobbies.
• Cherishing Connections: They value their relationships with family and friends and appreciate the support they receive.
• Learning from Life: They share lessons about living in the moment, letting go of anger, and appreciating what you have. They often regret not spending more time with loved ones or pursuing passions earlier.
• Staying Positive: They focus on mental well-being, citing happiness, optimism, and a stress-free life as keys to longevity.

So, What's the Verdict?

Maybe you don't want to live to be 100 right now, but your opinion might change as you get older. Reliving memories, giving back to your community, cherishing relationships, reflecting on life, and staying positive? Sounds pretty awesome, right?