100 years from now...

Day 29:

While waiting for the Nyquil to kick in, which may take some time because it has to combat an all- afternoon nap, I read something that trumped the lesson I intended to share.

The Week, the sole magazine I subscribe to (because it has a little of everything), reports in its Health and Science section that soon enough, living to be 100 years old could be normal in developed nations.

According to a Danish study that drew data from 30 countries, babies that were born in the year 2000 will very likely live to be 100. The study goes on to state that if health trends maintain their current trajectory here in the U.S., those born today could easily live to be 104.

Crazy.

When I was young I don’t know that I ever thought much about how old I’d be when I stopped being. But for today’s toddlers to be able to one day imagine living past 100, wow.

There are or will be obvious concerns about such an aged population living within a country. The requirements for having stable health care and retirement systems in place alone can be intimidating.

But in all actuality, it’s kind of exciting.

It’s exciting because it means that today’s parents and teachers have the opportunity to raise up tomorrow’s parents and teachers – those that will work to address the complications that could come with living for a century or more.

Today’s parents and teachers get to instruct and instill tomorrow’s wisdom with the problem-solving skills, integrity, and common-sense that will be required to handle the reality of having tens of millions of folks live into their triple-digit ages.

Today’s parents and teachers have the awesome opportunity to take today’s young ones, and help them look forward to a future that will undoubtedly be riddled with obstacles, but that can without a doubt, be tackled.

Today I learned that although I may not live to be 100, there is a long road yet ahead.

Today I learned that I’m excited to be on the journey.