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On October 1, former President Jimmy Carter will become the first American president to celebrate a centennial birthday. As Carter reaches this milestone, it underscores a future reality for more Americans, even while the current social safety nets remain inadequately prepared for such longevity.

Carter’s post-presidential life, which began in 1981 after losing his reelection bid, exemplifies a life of service and dedication. Unlike his successors who cashed in on corporate boards and speaking engagements, Carter engaged in hands-on philanthropic efforts. His initiatives have ranged from building houses to facilitating peace missions in Cuba and the Middle East. He also made significant strides in global health, notably contributing to the near-eradication of the Guinea worm parasite, which saw cases drop from millions in the 1980s to just 14 in 2023, according to The Carter Center.

In the 44 years since leaving office, Carter's achievements include winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 amid rising tensions in Iraq and earning multiple Grammy Awards for his autobiographical audiobooks. His transparency and resilience were also evident when he publicly announced a brain cancer diagnosis in 2015, only to later reveal his successful recovery.

Statistics show a marked increase in centenarians in the coming decades, with Pew Research Center projecting a rise from about 101,000 in 2022 to 422,000 by mid-century. This makes Carter’s milestone not just a personal achievement but also indicative of broader demographic shifts. However, while more Americans are living longer, the sustainability of programs like Social Security and Medicare remains in question, a concern raised as far back as Carter’s own presidency.

The changes Carter signed into law in 1977, aimed at securing the finances of Social Security, and the subsequent amendments during Reagan's administration in 1983, were crucial steps. Despite these efforts, highlighted by Reagan's proposal to adjust the retirement age, the programs still face long-term challenges. The increasing life expectancy and the anticipated quadrupling of centenarians call for more robust solutions to secure future retirees' financial stability.

Carter's nearly 44 years of impactful post-presidency, from eradicating diseases to advocating for peace, serve as a model of lifelong activism. Yet, as his centennial birthday brings his remarkable journey into the spotlight, it also underscores the urgent need to prepare societal infrastructures for a future where living to 100 is increasingly commonplace.