**5. Consequences of extended longevity**

Over the past three decades, the number of very old individuals, especially centenarians, has increased significantly. This has created (and will continue to create) challenges at the individual, family, and societal levels.

## **5.1 Individual aspects**

With the availability of many extra years to live and if health permits, subjects may want to delay retirement age, continue education, undertake a new career, or pursue a passion (**Figure 16**).

**Figure 16.**

*Healthy elderly can benefit from additional education and job opportunities (Picture downloaded from the internet "Google Images").*
