Author(s): Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott

Business

More than half of children born in developed countries today have a life expectancy greater than 100 years. While we hear about the looming pension crisis and issues with caring for the aged, this is a transformation for which we are currently ill-prepared - as individuals, companies and governments. Our traditional three-stage approach to working life - education, work and then retirement - is the reason why so much current government policy is focused on the third stage of retirement. But when life extends, it's not just about the end - it's about the extension of every period within a lifespan. Financially, we can't still plan to retire at 65 if we are going to live on to 100.

The 100 Year Life asks the questions: - Can our physical and mental health be maintained by such a long second stage of continuous work? - Can some of the intangible assets that really matter for a productive life - such as family and friends - really be maintained through a non-stop 60-year career? - Can a working career of 60 years be supported by the skills and knowledge accumulated in the first stage of life? It also offers some solutions: - Questioning the norm of jumping straight from education to full-time work. - Being a job creator rather than a job seeker, or using core skills to create a portfolio career within a variety of jobs. - Moving with the job market where specialist knowledge, insight and the capacity to work in highly collaborative ways will be more valuable.

The 100 Year Life explains what to expect from our future working life, the choices we will be faced with at any stage of life, and shares ways to make the most of this incredible opportunity to ensure that a longer life is a better life.