Early in this century Mary Baker Eddy commented, "The census since 1875 (the date of the first publication of my work, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures') shows that longevity has increased."^{Mis., p. 29;} A recent report on public health issued in Great Britain proves that the expectancy of life for men and women has continued to increase during the past twenty–five years.^{See The Times (London), October 19, 1972;}

Is this a good thing?

Obviously the lot of many older citizens is by no means prosperous and happy. And some people wonder if it is a situation that society as a whole can handle since, as they continue to read the report, they notice that the recently released figures hint that longevity has contributed to an increase of 15 percent in the retirement age group. They recognize the question must arise: Can a nation's economy support so many of its members who are no longer productive? If the trend continues, will the burden of providing for the elderly eventually become heavier than it can bear?

Christian Science shows that this trend in the lengthening of human existence is good and that it can be handled successfully through the application of spiritual truth. The wise writer of the book of Proverbs says: "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."^{Prov. 3:1,2;} The wisdom of the Bible would not benefit some at the expense of others, a few to the cost of a whole community. It would not make anyone a burden to family or nation through the blessing of longevity.

The law of God ensures eternal Life for the real man. God is divine Life, infinite Mind, and man is His likeness, spiritual and deathless. There is no end to the development of His manifestation. Christian Science has explained how, when these divine truths are understood, they act as law in human experience, and thereby increase our mortal sense of existence not only in length but in strength and peace. Mrs. Eddy writes, "The understanding that Life is God, Spirit, lengthens our days by strengthening our trust in the deathless reality of Life, its almightiness and immortality."^{Science and Health, p. 487;}

But now, as years are added to the period of retirement, mortals sometimes doubt if lengthening the time of earthly experience is entirely the blessing that the Bible has led them to expect. The problems sometimes associated with seniority—loneliness, boredom, ill health, slender resources of supply, friends, interests—seem to make a travesty of Christ Jesus' statement that he came "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."^{John 10:10;} Clearly the challenge now facing mankind is to add vitality to these extra years so that individuals may more nearly express the glory of divine Life as they should, and be not only self–supporting but an enriching influence upon society.

The Master showed that whether a human life is full or not depends on the quality of the consciousness of the individual. If it is abundant in love, wisdom, neighborliness, and the expression of other Christian qualities and ideas, it is undoubtedly a blessing and will increasingly develop in effectiveness with each succeeding year. It will become more gracious and more joyous, richer in affection and usefulness. Then age will be expansive, vital, "clearer than the noonday,"^{Job 11:17;} with physicality becoming ever less demanding as the spiritual nature of real being emerges.

Every human being can mature in spiritual liveliness, but not without effort. Lessons of self–discipline, the subordination of material claims, and the conscious intention to express the spiritually vital nature of one's God–given identity are to be learned and practiced. The law of loving one's neighbor as oneself needs to be kept in the heart and permitted daily to expand the affections to embrace the world more warmly and widely. The understanding that Christian Science brings that Life is immortal Spirit, deathless and mighty in its power to manifest the grandeur of omnipotent, divine Principle, needs to be continually deepened and trusted.

An individual who disregards such necessary lessons for three–score years and ten—willfully drifting through life making no effort to keep his spiritual growth in line with his advancing physical development—will not suddenly appear after retirement as selfless, wise, loving, and mature. But there is always hope, for through God's grace this transformation can come in a moment to one who is truly humble and obedient to the divine will. Mrs. Eddy writes, "We know that all will be changed 'in the twinkling of an eye,' when the last trump shall sound; but this last call of wisdom cannot come till mortals have already yielded to each lesser call in the growth of Christian character."^{Science and Health, p. 291.}

It is never too early or too late to apply oneself to the development of spiritual vitality. The effort is magnificently rewarding. It energizes, enriches, and endears one to others. To express the spirit of Christ is to ensure that one will increasingly enjoy abundant life, be productive, and in every way a blessing to the world.

Naomi Price