Heroes Not Zombies

A recent article in The Atlantic considers the big changes in demographics particularly in developed countries over the last one hundred years. It includes the statement that

For the first time in history, most people now being born can expect to live seven, eight, nine or more decades.

As I’m going to be 60 (tomorrow – 8th June 2014) I found this statement, and the rest of the article, to be a bit of an inspiration. I recommend you click through the link above and read it. The main issue is that we have hardly begun to consider how society will change with this increase in longevity. Other studies look at whether or not these “added years” are “healthy” years but I think that’s an important, but separate, issue.

What I’m wondering about is how we might begin to live differently as we become aware of this change.

I’m thinking that my life is like a trilogy.

The first part of the trilogy, for me, takes me to about 24 years old. That’s the age I was when I graduated with my medical degree from Edinburgh University. That first part was about growing, learning, playing, maturing into adulthood. The second part has been my working years as a doctor, and as I’m retiring at the end of this month, that part is concluding right now.

So, Part 1 was 24 years long, Part 2 was thirty six years long, and nobody knows how long Part 3 will be. According to the figures quoted in The Atlantic it could well be something between the lengths of parts one and two. Wow! That’s actually a BIG part. That’s what got me to thinking about my life as a trilogy. Not all parts of a trilogy are the same length, but it’s not actually the length of this third part which interests me most. What really interests me is what will be the underlying themes of this Part 3, which begins in a month’s time.

I’m shifting my focus from working as a doctor to living as a writer. I’m shifting my focus from salaried employment with all that entails, to living on a pension. To finish the routine, expectations, and responsibilities, as well as the rewards and pleasure of working as an employed doctor is quite daunting and quite exciting all at the same time. One thing I’m SO aware of right at this moment in my life is that the one certainty is change.

We are all becoming, not being………

We are all able to choose to become heroes, not zombies.

Part 3……..how shall I start?