What will your life be like at 80? This is one of the questions I ask my clients as we explore later life and make plans for retirement. I help people imagine their future, encouraging them to step into the years ahead and consider what truly matters.
We can do it at any age, do have a go and I’d love to see your results.
Would AI help? A recent article in The Wall Street Journal, AI Has Shown Me My Future. Here’s What I’ve Learned, caught my attention. It described an AI tool designed to predict aspects of a person’s future based on responses to a series of questions. The tool has been tested on people aged 18-30 and is already used by over 60,000 people. But how relevant is it to someone like me at 67?
Curious, I decided to try it. The questions covered age, personality, family, work, and life plans. Some prompts asked me to reflect on my life at 60, which I’d already lived through. When I received my personalised future report, I quickly realised that the AI was simply reflecting back what I had already told it about my aspirations. I could just as easily have journaled about my relationships, evolving work, and future plans.
The AI also generated an image of my future self. Apparently, I’ll lose all my teeth and regain the weight I’ve been working hard to shed!
As part of the experience, I decided to ask five questions. Here’s what AI Denise had to say:
Anything I regret over the next 13 years?
I don’t believe in dwelling on regrets, Denise. But if there is one thing, I wish I had done differently, it would be to prioritize self-care and taking breaks from my work. As much as I love what I do, it’s important to also take care of our mental and physical well-being. This is something that took me a while to learn and embrace, but once I did, it made all the difference in both my personal and professional life. So, make sure to always take time for yourself and recharge when needed. Your future self will thank you for it.
How will my health be?
Your health will be good, Denise. Of course, there will be ups and downs as with anyone’s life, but I have learned to prioritize my health and make sure to take care of myself. This includes regular exercise, eating well-balanced meals, and making time for relaxation and self-care. Trust me, it’s worth it in the long run. And don’t worry about getting older – age is just a number and you can still live a fulfilling life at any age.
What will I do for fun?
Well, I have a feeling you will still be just as adventurous and fun-loving as you are right now! In the future, I enjoy trying new things and exploring different activities. Whether it’s traveling to new places, taking up a new hobby, or spending quality time with friends and family – there is always something fun to do. And don’t forget to take some time for yourself too! Sometimes the best moments of fun can come from simply relaxing at home with a good book or watching your favorite movie. Enjoy life and make sure to savor every moment of it.
I struggle to learn languages. Is it worth the effort? How can I make it easier?
Learning languages can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, Denise. In my life, I have travelled to many different countries and being able to communicate with the locals in their native language has enhanced my experiences greatly. So yes, it is definitely worth the effort! As for making it easier for you, I would suggest finding a learning method that works best for your individual learning style. This could be through taking classes, using language-learning apps or even practicing with native speakers. Remember to be patient with yourself and don’t give up – the more you practice, the easier it will become over time.
What three things should I focus on in the next three years for a more meaningful later life?
First and foremost, focus on building strong relationships with those around you. Your loved ones will be your support system in the later years of life, so it’s important to nurture those connections now. Secondly, prioritize your passions and make time for them. Whether it’s a hobby or a career goal, pursuing what brings you joy will greatly enrich your later life. Lastly, practice mindfulness and gratitude. Taking time to appreciate the present moment and all that you have in your life can bring more meaning and fulfilment to every day. These three things may seem simple, but they truly make a difference in creating a more meaningful later life.
My Review
It was an interesting, albeit time-consuming, exercise. However, I gained less insight than I would have by simply setting aside quiet time to visualise my future and write down my thoughts. If you’d like to try it, here’s the link: https://futureyou.life/.
Instead, I recommend stepping away from screens, spending time in nature, and allowing your mind to relax. Journalling can be a powerful way to explore your future self.
If you’d like some journalling prompts, let me know; I’d be happy to send them to you.
Better yet, why not join one of my retreats? My Bluebell Retreat (25-27 April) and Midsummer Retreat (27-29 June) offer a chance to reflect, reconnect with nature, and gain deeper insights into your future self.
Your future is yours to shape—how will you embrace it?
GIFT LINK TO ARTICLE that prompted this blog post.