"We have some control over when we retire. However, we have very little control over how long we will live"

Gordon Smith's quote, "We have some control over when we retire. Nevertheless, we have really little control over the length of time we will live", encapsulates 2 substantial elements of human life: the capability to choose and the inevitability of specific life occasions. The duality in the declaration highlights the contrast in between the power of individual decision-making and the restrictions positioned by life's unpredictabilities.

The first part of the quote, "We have some control over when we retire", reviews the autonomy individuals have more than their expert and personal timelines. Retirement is a substantial milestone that represents the shift from a career-focused way of life to one that preferably uses more personal freedom and leisure. The capability to select when to retire can depend on several elements, including monetary stability, health, job satisfaction, and individual objectives. This control grants people the power to influence their quality of life, to some level, guaranteeing that they can enjoy the fruits of their labor according to their choices and situations.

On the other hand, the latter part of the quote, "However, we have extremely little control over how long we will live", brings attention to the unpredictability of life's duration. In spite of improvements in healthcare and improved living conditions that can extend longevity, the supreme length of one's life remains largely outside a person's control. Aspects such as genetics, unpredicted health problems, mishaps, and environmental influences can have a substantial effect on life-span, often defying human control and forecast.

This juxtaposition works as a pointer to value and optimize the elements of life we can manage while acknowledging and accepting the fundamental certainties of nature. It suggests a well balanced approach to life, motivating individuals to plan and live meaningfully, knowing that while some elements can be affected, others should be accepted with acceptance and adaptability. Smith's reflection prompts a diligent appreciation for today and the foresight to prepare for a future that honors both personal desires and life's unavoidable courses.