EPISODE · May 29, 2026 · 37 MIN
The Why Podcast: Why we think we'll forever
from The Why Podcast · host London Business School
Professor David Faro joins Katie Pisa on The Why Podcast to explore a deceptively simple question: why does the way we think about how long we have left to live change how we live today? Drawing on his latest research, David explains how life expectancy can be framed in two ways, as an age we might reach or as the time we have left. While the numbers are identical, the impact is not. Seeing life as a finite amount of time prompts people to think differently about goals, priorities and trade‑offs. The conversation explores how this shift in perspective shapes everything from health decisions to life planning. When time is framed as limited, people begin to weigh what will realistically fit into their future, often bringing forward choices they might otherwise delay. Three key themes emerge from the discussion: The way life expectancy is framed changes how long life feels, with time‑left framing making the future feel shorter and more immediate than age‑based framing Thinking in terms of time left triggers “mental bucket listing”, prompting people to prioritise goals, weigh trade‑offs and reconsider how they spend their time Small changes in how information is presented can influence behaviour, with time‑left framing increasing engagement with health tools and preventative actions For individuals and organisations alike, the episode offers a powerful insight: how we describe time shapes how we use it. Becoming more aware of these frames can lead to more deliberate choices about health, work and the experiences that matter most. Discover more about David and his research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/f/faro-d For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit https://www.london.edu/think Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen Follow us on social media: https://x.com/LBS https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/ https://www.facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool
What this episode covers
Professor David Faro joins Katie Pisa on The Why Podcast to explore a deceptively simple question: why does the way we think about how long we have left to live change how we live today? Drawing on his latest research, David explains how life expectancy can be framed in two ways, as an age we might reach or as the time we have left. While the numbers are identical, the impact is not. Seeing life as a finite amount of time prompts people to think differently about goals, priorities and trade‑offs. The conversation explores how this shift in perspective shapes everything from health decisions to life planning. When time is framed as limited, people begin to weigh what will realistically fit into their future, often bringing forward choices they might otherwise delay. Three key themes emerge from the discussion: The way life expectancy is framed changes how long life feels, with time‑left framing making the future feel shorter and more immediate than age‑based framing Thinking in terms of time left triggers “mental bucket listing”, prompting people to prioritise goals, weigh trade‑offs and reconsider how they spend their time Small changes in how information is presented can influence behaviour, with time‑left framing increasing engagement with health tools and preventative actions For individuals and organisations alike, the episode offers a powerful insight: how we describe time shapes how we use it. Becoming more aware of these frames can lead to more deliberate choices about health, work and the experiences that matter most. Discover more about David and his research: https://www.london.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/f/faro-d For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit https://www.london.edu/think Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at https://www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen Follow us on social media: https://x.com/LBS https://www.linkedin.com/school/london-business-school/ https://www.facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool
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The Why Podcast: Why we think we'll forever
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