Law and the 100-Year Life
Transforming Our Institutions for a Longer Lifespan

This book reconceives law and policy for the growing trend of Americans living longer and healthier lives.

Anne L. Alstott (Edited by), Abbe R. Gluck (Edited by), Eugene Rusyn (Edited by)

9781009465991, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 May 2025

322 pages
23 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.467 kg

'Life expectancy has been increasing almost linearly, doubling in 150 years. Most see aging societies as an existential problem - older people without purpose and a drain on society. Alstott, Gluck and Rusyn see aging as a new opportunity to thrive, a 'third demographic dividend.' How refreshing. I can't think of a book more important to our social fabric. What are legal and policy innovations for a new golden age? Look no further than this glorious book.' Lawrence Gostin, Distinguished University Professor, Georgetown Law

Law and the 100-Year Life addresses the growing trend of Americans living longer and healthier lives, with many reaching the age of 100. An aging nation presents new challenges for society, which must be reimagined to accommodate longer and more varied careers, multiple marriages, and defining moments of education. This volume explores the possibility of a 'third demographic dividend', a new period of productivity following middle age, and the potential for law and policy to support or divide aging citizens. Leading scholars across various fields come together to explore topics related to aging, such as health law and trusts and estates, as well as less obvious but equally important areas like housing, criminal justice, and education. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Introduction Eugene Rusyn, Abbe R. Gluck and Anne L. Alstott
Part I. Implications Across the Legal System: 1. How the 100-year life challenges the legal model of the human life cycle Anne L. Alstott
2. The 100-year life and the new family law Naomi Cahn, Claire Huntington and Elizabeth Scott
3. Education and the 100-year life: the linchpin for thriving and enjoyment Kimberly J. Robinson
4. Aging out of criminal justice Shon Hopwood
5. The 100-year life meets the future of work Cynthia Estlund
Part II. Protecting Rights and Preparing for the Future: 6. The new old civil rights Kenji Yoshino
7. Age, inequality, and representation Ganesh Sitaraman
8. Age-based classifications in an age of centenarians Nina A. Kohn
9. Working to death: labor law and collective voice in the 100-year life Kate Andrias
10. The savings mirage Sara S. Greene
11. Trusts and the 100-year life John Morley
12. The right to grow old Jamal Greene
Part III. Health, Workforce, and Innovation: The Investments Required for A Healthy Lifespan: 13. The 100-year-old American and our health system Yaron Covo, Abbe R. Gluck and Linda P. Fried
14. Making the best of long-term services and support for seniors Katherine Pratt
15. Immigration and the 100-year life Eleanor Brown
16. Science fiction, legal fiction, political fiction, and the 100-year life Daniel J. Hemel
17. Bioethics, reproduction, and extending life I. Glenn Cohen
Part IV. The 100-Year Life and Our Broader Environment: 18. Weathering the 100-year life Eugene Rusyn and Douglas A. Kysar
19. Local government law for the 100-year life Noah M. Kazis
20. Transportation policy as hindrance and handmaiden of the 100-year life Gregory H. Shill
21. Scaling down senior living: the post-pandemic future of elderly housing Joanna L. Martin and Lior Jacob Strahilevitz
22. Property and the 100-year life Taisu Zhang.

Subject Areas: Medical & healthcare law [LNTM]