First, a confession: In the brash years of my youth, I decided 40 was old, and time enough to retire and live life to the fullest.

I did live that dream, albeit briefly, for a few years before the dreaded big four-zero.

In a south Indian hill resort, famed for its salubrious surroundings and temperate climate (which are at a premium in the country), I built a little house and prepared to ride into a golfing sunset. Awaiting me were evening scotch-and-sodas at the quaint 150-year-old club where an influential politician was thrown out for not wearing the de rigeur jacket and tie (the story was, he protested that he was wearing traditional dress).

As is evident from the fact that I'm writing this column in Beijing, that dream, let's say, didn't live up to reality.

Reality Bites, Ben-Stiller style, and bit me hard. I eventually sold the dream house in the hills (maintaining it turned out to be a nightmare for an absentee landlord) and, not having inherited anything, have to slog on just to make that dream of that dream house come true.

The most aggravating thing about the younger generation is that I no longer belong to it, Albert Einstein is reported to have said.

Now the problem is relativity: to which generation do I belong?

Sixty is the new 40, headlines have been screeching in the recent months. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush joined the sexagenarian set this year, as did singers Cher and Dolly Parton, property tycoon Donald Trump and actress Diane Keaton. (They all look good for a good many years).

The AARP, an association for Americans over the age of 50, conducted a telephone survey of 800 Americans turning 60 this year and found 77 per cent were satisfied with their lives; and 80 per cent have no plans to stop working and are focused on staying fit to defy the average life expectancy of about 82.

Also, it was announced this month that the number of Chinese aged 65 or above hit 100 million - that's one in 13. In a little over a decade, that number is projected to be 1 in 10.

There's more worrying news. A China Daily report this month carried this headline: "100 is not old, so take your time." Ageing experts conclude that centenarians, thanks to medical technology, will not be a rare species.

Widely available hypertension-controlling and cholesterol-reducing drugs are keeping at bay the dangers of cardiac arrest and strokes, two of the biggest killers. As are more cancer treatment methods. As well as lifestyle changes like fitness regimens and healthier eating options (after a recent report, I gave up olive oil for "virgin" olive oil, at considerably more cost) - which brings us to the issue of longevity.

All through my life, various astrologers have declared that I have a great "life line" - but there has not been much consensus on the "wealth line." "You'll make money," was a common refrain, but "you'll spend it."

Whether I draw on wisdom from scientists or the stars, the question remains: When do I retire? More germane, when can I afford to retire?

Earlier generations had it easier. They knew when they would retire (mostly), felt it was the time for it (mostly), and (mostly) enjoyed their sunset years. It was (mostly) the good life.

Me? If medical advances are going to make me live longer, I have to keep working longer. Just to pay the bills to keep living longer.

It's as Clinton said: "For most of my working life, I was the youngest person doing whatever I was doing, then one day I woke up and I was the oldest person in the room."

As he was, and, I fear, I will.

Email: ravi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/27/2006 page4)