Unterwegs: living longer, thinking differently

By Sonia Gil and Ricardo Oliveira Neves

Unterwegs --a German word meaning "on the move"--is the term the authors believe best captures a new narrative of aging, one that emerges from the perspective of the New Longevity Paradigm . As residents of Germany, the authors chose Unterwegs because it conveys more than just movement; it represents an ongoing journey, a continuous process of exploration and transformation. They believe it is a powerful way to describe aging in the 21st century--not as a phase of decline but as an opportunity for reinvention and new possibilities. The term New Longevity was first introduced in demographic research, highlighting how life expectancy has steadily increased since the early 20th century. Today, new generations can realistically aspire to live to 100 years or more. In particular, the baby boomer generation--those born in the post-World War II era through the early 1960s--has benefited from nearly three decades of increased life expectancy. Yet, many boomers now face a deep cognitive and cultural dissonance as they approach their 60s, confronting outdated perceptions that still label them as "elderly." This New Longevity brings the possibility of extended retirement, which seems like an enticing prospect. Many dream of a pension that allows them to enjoy a comfortable, obligation-free life after 60. However, it's crucial to remember that pensions were originally designed as a social contract to fund only a brief final chapter of life--one supported by younger generations. Furthermore, longevity has its challenges. The traditional retirement model often leads to a loss of purpose and increasing social isolation. After the initial excitement of newfound freedom, many retirees experience a decline in both physical and mental health. Studies suggest that social isolation and disengagement are more strongly linked to degenerative diseases such as dementia than aging itself. With the possibility of spending more years in retirement than in the workforce, boomers--and future generations--are being challenged to reinvent their lifestyles and adopt a new mindset for life beyond 50. This book is designed as a practical guide for anyone, regardless of generation, to visualize and plan for a longer life--one that, for many, may approach a full century. Join us in shaping a positive new perspective--one that sees aging beyond 50 as an opportunity for reinvention, purpose, and a fulfilling second act. Think of it as a journey through time, where added years can mean a richer, more meaningful, and healthier life. About the Authors Ricardo Oliveira Neves is a consultant, social entrepreneur, and author of nine books, including Sensemaking: Leadership through Purpose (Neo21, 2022), available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Based in Berlin, he coordinates the 50plus Chapter of the international NGO Catalyst2030 , which mobilizes boomers to engage in humanitarian and social development initiatives aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). Sonia Gil is a Rio de Janeiro-born artist based in Berlin. With a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning, she previously worked as a technical lead on sustainability projects in urban environments. Her passion for cities fuels her artistic practice, where she blends visual elements to craft digital narratives. As co-founder of the international collaborative art collective Urban Dialogues , she has explored the rapid technological transformations in the arts and embraced reinvention in her 50s.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F5BFSSHD
• ISBN13: 9798312821383
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 296 Pages
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.7" x 5.1"