The longer we live, the longer we’re likely to live, so the overall amount of Able time tends to increase with age and the Dependent stage is likely to be shorter. So ‘better’ means both length and quality of life are potential gains.

Finnish studies comparing physical and mental capabilities of men and women today and 30 years ago showed length and quality of life had improved. More years have been added to midlife and less to dependency – as with the Australian findings.

The comparisons showed improvements in muscle strength, walking speed, reaction speed, verbal fluency, reasoning and working memory. There was no significant change in lung function tests. Longer education was the main reason for cognitive improvement.

The steady increases in length and quality of life in part reflects communities providing an improving framework for living, including the availability of medical care and other benefits

In addition, if we choose we can prepare better to make our own decisions if we apply what we now know about ageing to making the best of our own situation.

A clearer understanding of our own potential time frame, its stages and the underlying reasons is the first step.

This is the purpose of the SHAPE Analyser. Enlisting the support of health advisers to identify appropriate actions can sharpen our focus. Then we are better prepared to address other important decisions in our lives.

Financial decisions will be more soundly based if they reflect our own time expectations. Decisions about work and retirement are better informed.

Decisions about where to live, for how long and why are clarified. Estate planning and intergenerational issues can be more easily dealt with. Aged care and end of life decisions can be addressed while in reasonable shape rather than in crisis mode.

By planning for our longevity, we can get on with pursuing our interests, confident that we are well prepared to make the best of the rest of our life.