[ WP ] : Due to advances in medical science , the standard human life expectancy is now around 120-140 . It is discovered that people in their 100-teens go through a second edgy rebellious phase .

My grandmother retired when I was 16. She had a `` home office'' where she spent hours playing card games on her computer. On one wall, there was a poem someone had written... My mother copied it in calligraphy and framed it with some pressed flowers. I ca n't remember the poem now, but I remember it said something like: `` When I am old, I will wear a purple dress and a red hat...'' 
 
 Gramma lived to see her 73rd birthday. Even after cancer robbed her of her strength, her mind was still sharp. She wanted to see `` The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,'' because -- I think -- a part of her longed for one last adventure. I could n't take her to India, but I did drive her to Louisiana for one last vacation at her favorite casino. 
 
 She struggled to use technology sometimes. I used to get annoyed every time I had to change out the ink cartridges on her printer, or show her how to attach an image to an email for the 100th time. In those moments, I tried to remind myself that she was born in 1937. She'd watched as the world changed very quickly right before her eyes... 
 
 Yesterday was my 116th birthday. I think I understand how she must've felt. 
 
 And so, I put on my purple dress that is far too risque for someone my age, and a simple, stylish, red, broad-brimmed hat. My great-granddaughter is driving me to the interplanetary subway today. I will go to Scotland to see the castles that still remain... Gramma's side of the family came from there, and she traced our lineage all the way back to 1750, when they first arrived in South Carolina. 
 
 After that, I will spend a month bouncing around Europe. I will send postcards and tacky souvenirs to my family, and I know -- when they receive these small presents -- they will smile and shake their heads and say `` Mammy has lost her mind.'' It's okay. I do n't expect them to understand. The eldest of my children is only 80, with many years still ahead of her. 
 
 My last stop will be India. It's very different now from the India I saw in movies when I was in my 30's. For one thing, they've built some beautiful casinos in the past 20 years. I will visit the temples and all the popular tourist attractions, gamble, and drink far too much for someone my age. I'm sure some people will see my purple dress and red hat and think I am very silly indeed. 
 
 The world changes very quickly... But some things will always remain the same.
