Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.

Dear Poor, Very, VERY Old Henry

I am writing this to you 22 years from now. In 2046, on 24 February, you will be 100. That is, in my opinion, a very, very long life.

You were born as one of the very first baby boomers, those whose era started on 1 January 1946. In your formative years, slate boards and pencils are primary writing tools at school. Pencils, paper, pens, Handwriting, spelling, learning tables, being polite and friendly, deferring to women and girls, saying “Please” and “thank you” were part and parcel of your upbringing.

You had a career that took you from farming to education and in that context, you had quite a promising career that lasted for just over 40 years.

You believed in in practice concentric management. You were a person who always championed and tried to live as someone whose position Acquired respect rather than ascribed status. You were always known as a people person.

As you suspected, the first three phases of life, getting born, growing up, and getting old, are marked by the fact that the getting old phase, unless you are taken out early because of sickness, accident, or some other event, is by far and away the longest of the three leading to one’s side point.

You are a person who has lived a lot longer than somebody younger.

I don’t know what the future holds for you beyond the anniversary of your centenary – probably the barest of time. But this letter will hallmark your century of years on this mortal coil.

Go well, 100-year-old Henry,

From 78-year-old Henry.

March 10 2024