The US just fell out of the top 20 countries for happiness in research by Oxford University. Why aren't we happy all the time?  

The International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook (April 2025) confirms what many of us have seen anecdotally: thanks to dramatic gains in cognitive and physical health, today’s 70-year-olds now match the capabilities of 50-somethings from a generation ago​. Yet most workforce systems haven’t caught up. Many still edge experienced professionals out just as their value peaks.

For decades, "retirement" meant stepping away from work and withdrawing from the productive world. But as people live longer, healthier lives, this concept no longer fits. Many have 25-30 vibrant years after careers—time to learn, create, mentor, start ventures, or explore passions. Instead of seeing this phase as an ending, we should view it as a renaissance—a time for reinvention and renewal.

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Lynda Gratton of London Business School - renowned author of The 100-Year Life  - for a powerful discussion on the Future of Work—in front of a room full of forward thinking leaders hosted by Audley.