The era of living to 100 brings major transitions not just at retirement but also around age 75. In his book “Life Notes from 75,” author Kusunoki shares wisdom and strategies for enjoying life to the fullest. Kusunoki, born in 1954, worked in the insurance industry before becoming a professor and writer. As people live longer, factors like health, finances, and relationships shift significantly after age 75. Kusunoki advocates for planning how to live past 75 by reflecting on personal history and goals. His book features a unique “Restart Note” and advice on managing finances effectively.
In the age of a 100-year life, there are significant turning points not only at retirement age, but also around 75 years old. In his book “Life Notes from 75 Years Old,” Mr. Kusunoki talks about the wisdom and strategies for enjoying life to the fullest until the end.
Over the past 20 years, the people I have interviewed have mostly been middle-aged and elderly company employees. One of the significant changes during this period was that everyone began to recognize the existence of a second and third life stage. Awareness of the long life after retirement has expanded rapidly. The fact that the baby boomer generation is now in their 70s probably further emphasizes its importance.
According to statistics, around the age of 75, people’s life stages change significantly in terms of health, economy, and society. Gradually, both mentally and physically, it becomes difficult to move independently, leading to limited financial management ability even if there is money. Consequently, work becomes more restricted, and relationships become more fragile.
In reality, my 68-year-old mother and I, who are both in our 91s, have completely different lifestyles, support systems, and desires. Considering how life changes with age, let’s think about how to live after 75. In the age of a 100-year life, I believe considering life after 75 is just as important as planning for retirement.
To fully enjoy the one life we have, it is important to think about how to live after 75 while we are still healthy and maybe write it down in a notebook. In fact, I have been writing this in a “Reboot Note” for a lifetime and plan to use it forever.
Insights from Personal History
By the way, in my “Restart Note,” I included specific examples of two important items: “To-Do List” and “Personal History Sheet” (below). These are written to think about how you want to live your life after turning 75. The “Bucket List” is actually a list of things you want to do based on your age. The “Personal History List” is a simplified list of “memorable and impressionable events” in each era.
Why is it necessary to revisit your “Personal History”? If you find it difficult to think about what you want to do, I suggest starting by writing your personal history. In fact, I found many hints for what I want to do in the future. By carefully recording my journey in a diary, things I want to do before I die or things I thought I hadn’t achieved yet became clear.
Trying to make everything perfect all at once doesn’t work. Add a little at a time as it comes to mind. In any format, whether it’s written in a notebook or memo pad, saved as a simple note, directly written on the sample in the appendix of my new book “Notes on Life after 75,” or copied, will all be great.
Also, if you realize that you can easily finish something you have already written and revisited, you need to start implementing it while you’re still healthy. Being prepared is being worry-free. Please give it a try.
Interviews with over 500 elderly people! “Notes on Life after 75”
We interviewed over 500 elderly people who found new jobs in their 60s, worked actively even in their 80s while enjoying a fulfilling second or third life stage. We introduce guidelines and strategies for living a richer life after 75 as the life stage changes. A unique design “Restart Note” is also included at the end.
Photography by Akihito Iwamoto