1. The problem is to find the sum of 2026 and 42 years. 2. The formula for addition is $a + b = c$, where $a$ and $b$ are numbers to add, and $c$ is the result. 3. Substitute the values: $2026 + 42$. 4. Perform the addition: $2026 + 42 = 2068$. 5. Therefore, the sum of 2026 and 42 years is $2068$ years.