earlymedical1.5. The Marginal Decade
Lifespan and healthspan are useful general concepts, but it can be helpful to anchor your goals in something more concrete: the last ten years of your life, the “Marginal Decade.” We often avoid thinking about the end of life: death is a primal and universal fear. But by acknowledging the certainty of aging, you can begin to think about what you want out of the last ten years of your life. And just as importantly, you can start to take steps now to ensure that the last ten years of your life are the best. Not thinking about your Marginal Decade will do nothing to eliminate it or make it any more enjoyable.
Additional Resources
Dive Deeper
What it’s like knowing you’re about to die, and feelings of regret and sadness | Ep. #79 – Ric Elias Listen More
Our complicated relationship with death, and how acknowledging it can release its grip and improve living | Ep. #135 – BJ Miller Listen More
How the idea of “dying well” can help you live better | Ep. #90 – Ryan Holiday Listen More
Being aware of the gift of life, and other lessons from Lori’s terminally ill patient | Ep. # #122 – Lori Gottlieb Listen More
Common regrets, the value of time, and other insights from interactions with patients in their final moments of life | Ep. #135 – BJ Miller Listen More
The different distinctions around the fear of death, and how BJ helps his patients negotiate fears | Ep. #135 – BJ Miller Listen More
Time, productivity, and purpose: insights from Four Thousand Weeks | Ep. #265 – Oliver Burkema Listen to podcast