The future will undoubtedly be marked by the development of artificial intelligence. This raises both fears and hopes. For my part, I hope it will lead to major advances in the field of medicine, enabling us to live longer, healthier lives. At the same time, it appears that progress is being made in the area of respect for animals, albeit too timidly. I sincerely hope that it will continue to evolve, and that there will be no more animal suffering. May science enable us to feed ourselves differently, why not through the development of artificial meat. It would be wonderful if scientific progress could lead us to understand the mystery of life, why we are here... Finally, may mankind be wiser and exclude war, but that's in the realm of utopia, alas.

In 2040 I will be 87 years old and I don't know if I will still be in this world. Now, at almost 72, I am reasonably ill and still take little part in life together. I spend most of my time alone at home in my beautiful 3-room apartment with a balcony. I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren but the contact is not that great. 2 children live near me, but they have their work, their house and their children. There is little time for me. When I need help, it usually works out that they help. How do I see the next few years? I would like to alleviate some of the symptoms of my illness or get rid of them completely. If that is the case, I would like to fly, not that far. I've never been to a foreign country like Italy, France or even Austria. I've also got to know almost nothing of Germany. As I can't walk or stand for long periods, day trips are not for me at the moment. I would like to get to know a man again, not to move in together, but to go out and be there for each other. My last steady relationship is from 1997. I would like Germany not to be involved in a war and for our economy to flourish again so that we can maintain our social system. I would like to be that old, but who knows that about themselves.

Peace will soon reign throughout the world. Everyone will understand that wars are bad. Groups and people like the AfD or Donald Trump will go down in the history books as inexplicable bizarre aberrations. Finally, much more will be done consistently to tackle climate change. Care will be guaranteed for everyone and family carers in particular will receive much more support. The wave of immigration will subside by improving the quality of life in the countries of origin. Criminals will be punished more severely and consistently deported or imprisoned.

I would have found the perfect job where I could fulfil my dreams. A job where my opinion mattered and where I could work with people who were like me. I would have a job as a teacher, teaching future carers what it means to be present and to listen. My husband would be retired by now and we would look forward to the time when we could be retired together and just enjoy each other's company. I would soon be retiring and I would have a cottage somewhere by the sea with a lovely pier and a big sauna to lie on and enjoy the sunbathing. In the evenings I would sit on the pier with a tea-mug and watch the sea. I would be debt free and have money to do things that matter to me and I could travel and see the world. I would have built up a little nest egg to live in the moment and do things I enjoy. My family and friends would be well and doing well.