Time to Prepare for 100-year Lives

Pioneering research up to a third of children born today expected to live to 100

Policies must prepare for longer, healthier and more connected lives for all

Statement by Community Foundation Ireland

The 100 Year Lives Project finds that as many as one in three children born in Ireland today are expected to live to 100. It argues that longer lives should not be treated mainly as a burden on health services, pensions or families, but as an opportunity to reshape how people learn, work, live and take part in their communities throughout life.

The research combines 16 expert interviews, six citizen co-creation workshops in Dublin, Cork and Mullingar, nationally representative polling and consultation with Community Foundation Ireland partners.

Polling shows that people see both promise and risk in living longer. Physical health issues (84%), cognitive decline (83%) and loss of independence (82%) are the leading concerns. The strongest hopes are seeing family members grow up (86%), benefiting from healthcare advances (80%) and passing on wisdom and experience (77%).

From longer lives to better lives

The report proposes a cradle-to-grave approach built around three symbiotic priorities: connected wellbeing, lifelong opportunities and active citizenship. It calls for stronger national coordination on longevity and wellbeing, more opportunities for learning and contribution at every age, and transparent measurement of progress.

It also sets out 18 potential pilot projects to turn the research into practical action and build evidence for policy and investment. These include intergenerational housing, lifelong education and financial literacy, youth mental health collaboration, local citizens’ assemblies, community climate action and a national Meitheal Mór initiative recognising people over years old do strengthen community life.

For example, the Dutch model of intergenerational housing could be adapted in Ireland to strengthen connection across age groups to everyone’s benefit – where older people provide advice and support to younger people and younger people provide energy and companionship to older people.

The Researchers of the Report say:

“We believe that 100 Year Lives don’t have to be daunting. Instead, Ireland has a unique opportunity to be a global trail blazer and enact new people- centric models which will encourage new modes of thinking, learning, earning and relating across the whole of society.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland adds:

“As Ireland’s philanthropic hub, Community Foundation Ireland will use the research to inform its work with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners and to support further collaboration around equality, stronger communities, climate and nature.”

The report, The 100 Year Lives Project: Longer, Better Lives for All, was written by Karen Hand PhD and Carolyn Odgers and is available Here.

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