SHOULD WE REALLY WANT TO REACH 100 YEARS OLD?
In a society that values longevity as a sign of success, the question arises: is living a long life truly synonymous with living well? Reaching 100 years of age has become an almost mythical goal, a kind of trophy to be proudly brandished as a symbol of victory over time. Behind this quest for longevity lies a more nuanced reality.
Quality of life above all
Thanks to medical and technological advances, living to 100 is now more accessible than ever. Life expectancy continues to increase, particularly in developed countries. This scientific feat belies a crucial question: living longer, yes, but under what conditions?
A longer life doesn't always mean a fulfilling life. The final years can be marked by chronic illness, a loss of independence, or even overwhelming loneliness. Retirement homes and care centers are full of people who, although physically present, struggle to find true emotional and psychological fulfillment. So, live longer, but at what cost?
Happiness is not measured in years.
In this race for longevity, we sometimes forget the obvious: happiness is not measured by the number of years lived, but by the quality of the moments that make up a life. Let's consider two scenarios:
- A person lives to 100 years old, but their last 20 years are marked by poor health, loss of mobility and social isolation.
- Another person lives to 75, but enjoys life to the fullest with strong health, rich social relationships, and varied experiences.
Which of these lives seems more fulfilling? While the former is impressive in terms of longevity, the latter embodies a form of fulfillment and daily satisfaction that, ultimately, better reflects a life well lived. Philosophers and experts in positive psychology emphasize the importance of cultivating happiness through enriching experiences, deep human relationships, and a sense of contribution to society—much more than simply adding up years of life. In short, living better is more important than living longer.
The challenges of extreme longevity
While living a long life is a dream for some people, the reality is often more complex. The body ages, memory falters, and mobility declines. Statistics show that from the age of 80, the risk of developing cognitive disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease) increases significantly.
And the challenges aren't just physical: there's a social dimension as well. Losing loved ones over the years can lead to profound loneliness. Family ties can become strained, and friends gradually disappear. By the time you reach 100, you may find yourself in a reduced, or even nonexistent, social circle.
There is also economic and societal pressure linked to an aging population. Healthcare systems are already under strain, and supporting older people requires considerable financial and human resources. An aging population also means a shift in social structures: more retirement homes, more caregivers, more support systems, etc. This raises major ethical and economic questions.
Redefining happiness and personal fulfillment
Rather than chasing the centenary, it might be wiser to rethink our priorities. Happiness isn't about racing against time, but about the ability to fully enjoy life, however long it may be. Research in positive psychology shows that the happiest people aren't necessarily those who live the longest, but those who:
- cultivate strong social relationships;
- find meaning in their daily lives (family, passions, work, volunteering);
- adopt a balanced lifestyle (sleep, diet, physical activity);
- practice gratitude and mindfulness.
So, do we really need to reach 100? Perhaps the real question is how to live fully rather than how long to live. Rather than focusing on a quest for longevity, perhaps it's time to get back to basics: savoring the small joys of everyday life and accepting that life, by definition, has an end. A short but meaningful life is worth more than a long one marked by illness. It's not the number of years that defines the value of a life, but how it is lived.
2025-03-29T08:15:37Z