Advantages Of Longevity

During the 20^th century, life expectancy for an American increased by about 30 years. Around the globe, the trend has been similar. In India, the life expectancy has gone up by 39 years in the 20^th century. Meanwhile in South Korea, the life expectancy has quadrupled in the same period. If you were born in 1900, there was a very good chance that you didn’t get to celebrate your 50^th birthday. However, if you happen to be born in 2007, it is probable that you will live to at least 103. Now what if you were born in Japan during the same year? Then you can live up to the ripe old age of 107.

Living longer is a pursuit for most humans. Humans are adopting healthier lifestyles with a better diet and more exercise. Fast food giants like McDonald’s are also changing their menus to reflect this trend. Taking this into consideration, let’s look at the benefits of longevity in human life spans.

One of the biggest advantages for longevity is that it is seen as some kind of treasure or fortune. In many movies and books, it is said and I quote “May you live to a 100 years”. In a rap song, Diddy boasts about how he will still be on top of the hip hop industry in 10 years. Living long gives you credibility. In the business world, companies pride themselves in the number of years of operation. Longevity for a person signifies that he or she comes from a wealthy background. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the life expectancy of the wealthiest and richest areas is several years higher than in the poorest years.

When you live longer, you get to be more involved in the growth of your children and their offspring. The knowledge that you pass on to younger folks is very valuable. It helps them avoid making mistakes that may have set you back. When there are older people to consult, it makes a person’s life less tense. It is a definite source of comfort to have your parents with you as you contemplate the next big decisions that have to be taken. Even going about your daily life becomes less of a hassle when there are wiser elders for you to take guidance from.

Below the age of 65, a person is expected to work. After passing this milestone age, one can put up their feet and stay at home. Not only do they get to stay at home and relax, they can now indulge in their passions. This might be the right time to purchase that dream home or go on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. This is because all those years of working and capital gains would have given an individual a sizable amount of money to pursue the things they love. Most of the things that a person needs to take care of are done by this age like paying off that mortgage, car payment and the university education of children. This leaves a lot of money and leisure time that can be spent as the retiree wishes.

By the time of your 50^th birthday, you have reached a point where you have got loads of talent of wisdom. Now you need time to publish some of your best works. If you are a scientist, then you can discover and invent more. There is no point at which you feel that enough is enough. Scholars can write more and musicians can compose more. The world will definitely be a better place to live in if we can these subject experts to live longer and contribute more. At 56, Mao Zedong founded the People’s Republic of China. At 73, Larry King celebrated his 50^th year in broadcasting. At 95, Nola Ochs became the oldest person to receive a college diploma.

As I mentioned earlier, older people have considerable resources. This wealth is increasing relative to other age groups. Economic activity can be boosted by producing products and services that this old generation is likely to consume. This will lead to more jobs for the working population and increased earnings. It doesn’t have to be just walking sticks and the like. Grandparents may want to buy toys for their grandkids. Older parents may look to purchase a better car for their thirty-something kids.