Every day we see 95- and 100-year-olds performing incredible feats on social media. High-level dance moves, pickleball, golf and 10K running competitions are no longer out of reach for centenarians around the globe.
As more of our population hits the age 100 mark, new goals are being set and shattered. One of those goals could be to participate in the "Centenarian Olympics." Although not currently sanctioned, the concept of the Centenarian Olympics came from Dr. Peter Attia, a renowned surgeon, podcaster and longevity entrepreneur.
In several interviews, Dr. Attia shared his personal Centenarian Olympic goals of living well past 100 and noted specific goals he would like to achieve as part of his personal Olympic benchmarking. He listed 18 goals, including lifting a 30-pound suitcase into an overhead bin. Dr. Attia also included squatting down and picking up a 30-pound grandchild with good balance. An avid archer, he also wanted to be able to hit targets with a bow and arrow, among other displays of senior athleticism and balance.
If you are going to live past age 100, why not arrive there with optimal physical, mental and financial health?
If age 100 is your goal, you will need an exercise, nutrition and retirement plan.
From an exercise and nutrition standpoint, it stands to reason that if you are a 60-year-old, you must be able to squat and overhead press a lot more than 30 pounds today to hit that mark again when you reach age 100 since muscle mass will decrease as we age.
Longevity financial planning has similar considerations. Most financial planning projections plan for living to age 95. Adding another five or 10 years to your plan will require additional savings or updated financial strategies to support your longevity goals.
An extended stay on earth requires grit, luck and financial means. Work backward from your longer-term goals to determine your fitness regimen and financial number to hit the coveted age 100 mark.