Money is often said to be the root of all evil, more so in these materialistic times.
Akin to a double-edged sword, it can make or break families, causing untold happiness or suffering to all. Then again, immense wealth has enabled more people to live longer through better medical care, improved diets and healthier lifestyles.
In this context, the adage that money cannot buy happiness seems to be fighting an uphill battle against what many see as the current trend in the relentless pursuit of wealth.
Thus, Britons who want to chase material wealth but hanker to live a quality lifestyle as well, can take comfort that they are part of the nation’s growing number of centenarians.
Thanks to medical advancement, improved diets and lifestyles, especially among the affluent, more than one million Britons now in their 30s could live to 100 years and beyond.
Terrifying though the prospect may be, the population of centenarians could well soar from the present 10,000 to 1 million by 2074.
The projections mean today’s thirtysomethings have a one in eight chance of hitting the 100th milestone, while thousands could breach 110 or older.
According to the Government Actuary Department, the figures were based on the most optimistic life expectancy trends and had dramatic implications for pensions.
If the state pension age remained at its present level of 65, those who live to be 100 would spend 35 years in retirement – nearly as long as most people spend working.
“If improvements in mortality rates continue as in recent years, we could have a million centenarians by 2074,” said the department’s Adrian Gallop. “But if rates of improvement fall back to historic levels, the figure is likely to be around 350,000.”
No one should lightly dismiss the expected boom in longevity as it would have a tremendous impact on Britain’s population.
The prospect of the population swelling from 60 million to 75 million or even 90 million by then, inclusive of high fertility rates and immigration, could be worrying enough though.
David Blane, professor of medical sociology at Imperial College London, echoed the department’s views that 100 years was an achievable lifespan even now. He added that improved treatments for heart disease and cancer were among the reasons for the global rise in life expectancy.
A combination of factors had no doubt contributed to the increase in longevity. Among them are better medical care, elimination of fatal diseases, better nutrition and the decline of heavy industries.
Britons are also more aware of the benefits of regular exercise just as they are aware that eating a balanced diet helps control cholesterol and prevent certain types of cancer.
While money may hold the key to a longer life, it – £25,000 (RM165,000) a year to be exact – can also buy a certain degree of happiness, according to another study.
The survey by an investment banking firm, however, cautioned that one should focus on personal growth rather than cash to improve the quality of life.
“Money is not the ultimate source of happiness and pursuing wealth can even lead to mental disorders,” said the firm’s James Montier. Indeed, Britons’ income levels have surged threefold since 1950 but contentment levels have hardly changed.
European studies have shown that most lottery winners revert to their original levels of happiness within a year of the windfall.
Montier’s message is that once you are earning £25,000 and upwards, basic needs of food, shelter and health care are covered and “increasing wealth does not equate increasing happiness.” Instead, the people should spend their money on experiences – which do not become judged as the norm and remain special – rather than on materialistic things.
They should forgo luxury things to boost their status in favour of a diving holiday, a safari or even attending concerts more often.
In other words, people tend to be less satisfied with life as they become increasingly obsessed with materialistic goals.
They should learn to let go of these material comforts and spend more time with their loved ones to attain true happiness.
