As a Glaswegian, the concept of extended longevity is like a distant melody – beautiful yet elusive. Glasgow has a notorious reputation for lower life expectancies, and the topic of living a very long life opens up a Pandora’s box of contemplations.
Expectancies & Reality
Glasgow’s a great place, with its rich history and vibrant culture, but it also has a sombre statistic: life expectancies that fall short of national and UK averages. My mum’s life expectancy was 65-70. She died ten days after her 66th birthday. My dad’s life expectancy was 60-65. He beat the figures (a Banffshire loon, but lived in the Glasgow area for many decades) but died when he was 69.
The Dream of Decades
Let’s pretend for a moment that we live in a world where the worries of health, finances, and mental decline are relics of the past. In this utopian world, I see myself voraciously writing the endless stories that dance in my mind, inhaling books like air, travelling, and finally tackling all those craft projects I’ve promised myself I’d get around to… someday. The allure of having all the time in the world to fulfil all these desires is undeniably intoxicating.
The Reality Check
But let’s return to reality. A very long life doesn’t equate to an extended retirement where we can enjoy all those extra decades as we see fit. No government is going to let that happen. The currently rising pension age will skyrocket, leaving us working well past the current retirement age. Then there’s navigating a possibly nightmarish job market and the possible societal shifts we can barely fathom.
My Choice
So here’s my stance: I’m aiming to defy the odds. Not by living a life that stretches on beyond my expectancy figures indefinitely, but by living a good life. A life brimming with love, laughter, and the relentless pursuit of my dreams and those of my husband. I choose quality over quantity and experiences over extra decades.
Too Dark?
You might wonder if I should omit the stark realities of Glaswegian life expectancy. They’re not exactly fun, but I wanted to paint the full picture. I think that in acknowledging the shadows of life, it’s far easier to reach for the light.
A Life Worth Living
Ultimately, the idea of a very long life is complex, layered with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’, and is probably a long way off. So, for me, I say screw extended longevity. I’d rather have a life filled with love and laughter and living passionately, no matter the length of the journey. Let’s focus on making each day count, on leaving a legacy of joy and inspiration, regardless of the time we’re given.
What are your thoughts on living a very long life? Do you crave extra decades, or do you, like me, seek to maximise the quality of the time you have? Let me know in the comments below.
Till next time, stay awesome and cherish every moment!
Susan x
(All images were created with original photos and the magic of Hot Mods. See more artwork here and on Jez’s blog)
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