The Longevity Preparedness Index, developed by John Hancock and the MIT AgeLab, looks beyond finances to show how prepared US adults are to live well as they age. Explore the latest findings, then get your personalized score to see where you stand and find simple ways to help prepare for the future.
Preparing for a longer life is about more than your financial portfolio. It also means thinking about your health, home, relationships, and the support you may need along the way.
The Index measures readiness across eight connected areas: daily activities, home, health, community, care, life transitions, finance, and social connection.
Your personalized score brings those areas together, so you can see what is going well, where there may be room to grow and which small steps could make a meaningful difference.
The Longevity Preparedness Index is a five-year collaboration between John Hancock and the MIT AgeLab. In year one, we introduced a new way to think about preparing for longer lives. In year two, our focus moves from awareness to progress: helping people turn insight into small, practical changes that can improve their preparedness over time.
People are living longer than ever, changing what they need from life insurance. At John Hancock, we believe it should protect the people you love if the unexpected happens while also helping you live a longer life in better health, so you can enjoy more time together.
We are turning that belief into action. John Hancock Vitality rewards healthy choices with opportunities to save on premiums and access preventive care tools. Our work with the MIT AgeLab on the Longevity Preparedness Index also helps people understand how prepared they are for a longer life and identify ways to improve.
Helping people live longer, healthier, better lives is how we are reimagining life insurance.
"Preparedness for longer lives is one of the defining economic and social challenges of the 21st century."
The latest Longevity Preparedness Index findings show where Americans are making progress and where more work remains. Here are three key insights and steps you can take today.
Care remains a major blind spot, and many homes are not ready to support changing needs. Planning now can help you protect your independence later.
Preparedness varies by age, life experience and location. Whatever your starting point, stronger connections and local support can help you feel more ready for what is ahead.
Financial planning is a strong driver of preparedness, but living well over time also depends on your health, care, home and daily life.
70% of adults 65+ will require long-term care at some point. Care is a natural part of many longer lives, but too few people have a plan in place.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. As traditional retirement timelines change, planning should account for how long you may want or need to work.3
From its Roxbury campus, The Dimock Center brings healthcare, behavioral health, family support and other essential services together in one place. Easier access to trusted local resources can help people build a stronger foundation for health and well-being at every age.
Through Activating Boston, Healthy Places by Design helps communities create welcoming, age-inclusive outdoor spaces where people can connect and thrive. Stronger social ties and easier access to shared spaces can support health, belonging and preparedness over time.
Home Base provides clinical care, wellness programs, education and research to help veterans, service members and military families heal from the invisible wounds of war. Its whole-person approach supports physical and mental health, both essential to living well for longer.
A plan sets the course. Preparedness helps you adjust when life changes it. We’re committed to helping you do both, with resources for longevity planning, healthier living and retirement.
We help people live longer, healthier, better lives through our industry-leading Vitality program and trusted guidance that go beyond traditional life insurance.
We help people confidently save and invest for retirement goals. Discover how we're also helping them live better.
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 1,340 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 8th, 2026, to May 26th, 2026.
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. Each domain captures positive behaviors toward longevity preparedness and awareness of the importance of a domain. Domain scores are each calculated independently and can range from 0 to 100. All eight domain scores are averaged to calculate an overall LPI score.
The Longevity Preparedness Index was developed in collaboration with MIT Age Lab 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 (opens in a new tab)
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 (opens in a new tab)
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 (opens in a new tab)
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. This material and your Longevity Preparedness Index Score are provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Results are general in nature and do not account for your specific financial, health, or personal circumstances. You should not solely rely on score results when making decisions regarding future preparations and should independently evaluate your options and circumstances before taking any action.
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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