Increasing longevity is the source of considerable economic strain. The system is not adapted to it. People used to die very shortly after retirement. Now they may live till they are ninety, but often not in the best of health. This creates great strain upon the NHS, and upon Social Services.
It also creates an inner emotional crisis for people who may not have the psychic resources to cope with decades of low physical activity. Unhealthy modern diet has exacerbated the situation. Many of us gain weight as we get older, or suffer unnecessary degenerative disease caused by junk food.
Scientific researchers predict that in the near future, we may live to an average age of one hundred and twenty. Unless we get much better at preserving our faculties and physical prowess, this may not prove to be a blessing. There may also be issues of material poverty to cope with. Old age pensions are under threat from the increased demand. If Britain continues to lurch into economic decline, and food and fuel prices continue to skyrocket, the situation will become very difficult indeed.
Each of us is presented with a challenge by this situation. We need to ask ourselves what we must do to avoid sinking down into eventual despair. It requires self-discipline and courage to think seriously about the future, when it seems like a rearguard action.
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