Prepare for better
The first-of-its-kind Longevity Preparedness Index* report reveals a bold new benchmark for US adults' readiness to live well in older age.
Presented in collaboration with the MIT AgeLab, these groundbreaking insights serve as a roadmap on our journey to help customers live longer, healthier, better lives.
Prepare for better
The first-of-its-kind Longevity Preparedness Index* report reveals a bold new benchmark for US adults' readiness to live well in older age.
Presented in collaboration with the MIT AgeLab, these groundbreaking insights serve as a roadmap on our journey to help customers live longer, healthier, better lives.
A new lens on longevity
The 2025 Longevity Preparedness Index findings reveal strengths, gaps, and surprising trends. Explore three key themes and actionable insights to help you to prepare for a longer, healthier, better life.
Where we fall short
• Longevity preparedness in the US is generally low
• Care is the biggest blind spot
• Most homes aren’t ready for aging-in-place
Many US adults haven’t planned for future care needs or adapted their homes for aging. These gaps can limit independence and quality of life.
• Consider: Reviewing your care preferences and evaluating your home’s accessibility.
• Plan with a financial professional: Explore long-term care options and budgeting for home modifications.
Who's leading (and who's behind)
• Women and caregivers are leading the way
• Young adults are falling behind
• Where you live shapes your longevity preparedness
Preparedness varies by age, gender, and geography. Women and caregivers lead the way, while younger adults show lower engagement. Suburban communities tend to offer stronger support systems than urban or rural areas, giving residents a preparedness edge.
• Consider: How your location and life stage affect your readiness.
• Plan with a financial professional: Tailor your approach to fit your environment, relationships, and future needs.
Drivers of preparedness
• Money matters—but it’s not everything
• Financial professionals drive action
• Life insurance signals broader readiness
Financial planning is a strong driver of overall preparedness—but it’s not the only one. Working with a financial professional boosts readiness across health, care, and lifestyle decisions.
• Consider: How your financial strategy supports your long-term goals.
• Plan with a financial professional: Build a plan that includes healthcare costs, lifestyle expenses, and future transitions.
The state of longevity preparedness
Behind every statistic is a story about how US adults are preparing—or not—for longer lives. These quick facts reveal some of the most pressing realities of aging today.
70%
of adults 65+ will require long-term care at some point in their lives. Acquiring care is a natural phase of life, yet many are unprepared.1
88%
of adults 50+ believe it is important to age in place. Home readiness is one of the biggest blind spots in longevity planning.2
19.5%
of adults aged 65+ were still working as of 2024. Older Americans are redefining retirement and staying in the workforce longer.3
A closer look at longevity readiness
Wondering how to prepare? We can help.
John Hancock Insurance
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Methodology
*The Longevity Preparedness Index was conducted online and by phone interview in English, sourced through the NORC AmeriSpeak Panel. The sample was a US representative sample
comprised of 1,307 Americans, aged 18 and up, with specific oversamples of Non-Hispanic Black panelists, Hispanic panelists, and Non-Hispanic Asian American and Pacific Islander
panelists to ensure adequate sample size for sub-group analysis. During analysis, survey responses were weighted to represent the US population. Survey data were collected from May
14th, 2025, to June 5th, 2025, with a median survey length of approximately 25 minutes per respondent.
LPI scores can range from 0 (not at all prepared for longevity) to 100 (completely prepared for longevity). The overall LPI is composed of 8 domains. Domain scores are each calculated
independently and can range from 0 to 100. All eight domain scores were averaged to calculate the overall LPI score. Eight to 26 unique survey items are used to represent preparedness
for each domain. Each domain captures positive behaviors toward longevity preparedness and awareness of the importance of a domain. Missing data were handled by imputation based on
modal scores by age, gender, and income. Based on respondents aged 65-85, survey items were weighted to indicate their contribution to preparedness within a domain. Items with low
weights were removed from score calculation. Behavioral scores (weight 75%) and awareness responses (weight 25%) were combined to create a domain score that can range from 0 to
100.
The Longevity Preparedness Index was developed in collaboration with MIT AgeLab and funded by John Hancock. John Hancock provided financial support for the research but did not
influence the findings, methodology, or conclusions.
Citations
1 Digital Communications Division. (2022, April). Caregiver Resources & Long-Term Care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
https://www.hhs.gov/aging/long-term-care/index.html
2 Robinson-Lane, S. (2022, April). Older adults’ preparedness to age in place. University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation National Poll on Healthy Aging.
https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/older-adults-preparedness-age-place
3 Wilkins, M. (2025, May). Golden years: Older Americans at work and play. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-14/golden-years-older-americans-at-work-and-play.htm
Manulife John Hancock is not affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab, and neither is responsible for the liabilities of the other.
This material is not an endorsement of any particular product, service or organization; nor is it intended to provide financial, investment, insurance, or health advice. It is intended to promote awareness and is for educational purposes only.
Life insurance products are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.
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