How to build an enduring career in three simple steps

In an age of longevity, only those who stay physically fit, mentally tough and intellectually honest truly thrive

- Pavan Soni

To design a career spanning 40-50 years, start by being physically fit.

Australia has revised its retirement age to 67, much on the lines of Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Netherlands, and even France, after protests. The argument is that if people are living longer and healthier, they must contribute to the economy more actively.

The situation is exacerbated by the lower fertility rates in many of these countries. Japan is emblematic of this phenomenon, where roughly 14% of its workforce is 65 and older. The employment rate in the 60+ age group is one of the highest in the world: 65-69 years (52%), 70-74 years (34%), and above 75 years (11.4%). And the fertility rate hovers at 1.2, one of the lowest amongst the world's developed countries. It is a different story altogether that Japanese can pull this off owing to their healthy lifestyles, food habits and social structure.

As for India, people are either dreaming of retiring at 40 or not tiring until 70. With the shifting financial goalposts, spiralling cost of healthcare, and mushrooming avenues of spending money, 60 has become a number.