The latest edition of National Geographic features a captivating cover story titled, “This Baby Will Live to Be 120*.” Beneath this bold claim is an endearing image of a baby, with a footnote that asserts, “It’s not just hype. New science could lead to very long lives.”
We can see the merit in this possibility. Just a century ago, before advancements like sanitary sewer systems and Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, average lifespans were significantly shorter. Many fell victim to bacterial infections before reaching 50.
As stated by National Geographic, the next significant leap in life expectancy may come from studying gene mutations found in genetically isolated populations. These mutations seem to protect against diseases that could shorten lifespans.
For instance, Ashkenazi Jews possess mutations that can reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has a mutation that reduces blood fat. Gene mutations observed in Japanese Americans decrease the likelihood of heart disease and certain cancers.
Longevity researchers are actively investigating these genetic phenomena, seeking strategies to extend lifespan. If they succeed, the implications could be remarkably significant…
Shifting the Natural Dynamics of Our World
Consider the baby destined to live to 120. By the age of 67, they can retire and start receiving full benefits from Social Security—a situation that would mean receiving over half a century’s worth of government checks. The pressing question arises: Who will fund this?
In reality, Social Security is likely to face financial difficulties long before this child reaches retirement—it practically already is. Thus, without proper planning, this future centenarian may find themselves working well past their 100th birthday. The experience of a Monday morning can be challenging enough for a 30-year-old; for a 100-year-old, it would be that much more daunting.
However, Monday mornings don’t have to be burdensome. They could instead be enjoyed from a sunny patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, sipping on fresh-squeezed orange juice. Achieving this may not be as hard as it seems.
Imagine if this baby makes just one or two pivotal decisions early in life. Even simple choices could dramatically redirect the energies of the universe towards a prosperous future. What if, for instance, they decide to forgo driving for an entire year in their early twenties?
The lack of a $350 monthly car payment, an $80 monthly insurance fee, and an $80 monthly fuel expense would translate to a yearly saving of $6,120. Subtracting a $40 monthly metro pass leaves a substantial $5,640 after one year without a car. This is an impressive sum.
Yet, the real importance lies not in the current value of this money, but in its potential growth over time. If managed wisely, it could easily ensure a comfortable retirement for the future centenarian.
Still skeptical? Take a moment to reflect on the subsequent insights…
Do You Have the Conviction to Get Rich?
Charles B. Carlson highlights an intriguing example in “The Little Book of Big Dividends.” A $5,000 investment in shares of Philip Morris and Exxon back in August of 1982 would now exceed $1 million—even after the 2008 market crash.
The DOW’s astonishing 1,750 percent price appreciation certainly contributed to this. However, it’s crucial to note that mere market gains wouldn’t have propelled the initial $5,000 investment to the million-dollar mark. Rather, the true wealth was generated by reinvesting the dividends into additional shares.
Compounding these returns through consistent reinvestment of dividends is what transformed that initial $5,000 investment into over $1 million. Naturally, it’s easy to see this in hindsight. Yet, succeeding in this venture required minimal additional research or specialized skills.
Back in 1982, Exxon and Philip Morris weren’t hidden gems; they were well-known, stable companies accessible to the public. This raises an important point…
Although these companies were widely recognized, only a minuscule fraction of the population capitalized on the opportunity to grow wealthy through investing in them. For those who did, the factors for success weren’t luck or extraordinary foresight, but rather persistence and the conviction to adhere to a time-tested approach to wealth building.
The path to wealth is open to everyone, including you. But will you seize the opportunity?
For the baby destined to live to 120, developing this conviction is essential. Thankfully, a longer lifespan also presents remarkable opportunities for compounding returns. Taking that first step toward investing is crucial.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
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