Abstract
Life in a time of flux concerning the purpose and legitimizing identities associated with longevity, has led to a series of proposals for filling these extra years. While a policy consensus has emerged that extra years of work might be the answer, this leaves open questions about the role of intergenerational relations, vulnerability and engaging with finitude. An alternative discourse based on belief proffers answers to these questions which may require closer engagement by critical forms of gerontology. The degree to which these competing narratives offer a roadmap for a long life will be discussed.