These days, it’s very difficult to enjoy a happy life. I believe that a long life does not always equal a happy life. Quality of life is much more important factor than a long life. I’ll talk about why I think so.
First, the longer we live, the more the life of the elderly seems to be in danger. One of my definitions of happy life is life without any annoying, conflict and contention. However, I feel uneasy about the future. Demographic imbalance causes some social problems such as labor shortage, medical crisis, pension fiasco and so on. Especially for people who don't have any children like me, it’s a serious matter to handle posthumous chore. Whom can I rely on? If I become unconscious out of the blue, who deal with payment of medical care, handling real estate/bank account, informing utility sector about my death, discarding refrigerator/VCR, my cat and so on? There is no sophisticated system in our society. A lot of things would annoy the elderly. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s not happy to live in such a low quality environment.
Second, We can have a happy life even if we live a short life if we have made a significant contribution or accomplishment to society or to the work we are doing.
As another definition of my happy life, it is life I feel accomplishment, fulfillment and contribution to society. I believe that I could contribute to society through technology. Because I have already had released some consumer products such as GPS, Electric train pass on the market. Of course, I want to pursuit further technical enhancement. But there is no limit. I’d accept my finish even if I’m forced to end my life in some reasons or others. I believe we can experience a happy life not to say long life.
In conclusion, whether our life is happy or not is not a matter of time. It’s a matter of quality of life.