Financial essentials
Are you prepared to live to 100?
Plan now for a longer retirement—many Americans are underestimating their lifespans.
Understanding how long you may live in retirement
Living to 100 may sound far off, but it’s becoming more possible every day. Thanks to advances in healthcare, technology and access to better resources, life expectancy continues to rise. In fact, since Social Security began, life expectancy in the United States has increased by 17 years and continues to rise.1
Living longer can offer more time to enjoy retirement—but it also means you may need to adjust your planning to ensure long-term financial security. If you’re nearing retirement, now is a smart time to revisit your goals and check your financial readiness for the years ahead.
A recent study conducted by the TIAA Institute and the
Longevity literacy among u.s. adults
On average in the U.S., how long will a 65-year-old man or woman live?
The 2024 P-Fin Index survey included three multiple-choice questions indicative of longevity literacy, each related to the distribution of life expectancy among 65-year-olds in the U.S.
Understanding longevity can better prepare you to make thoughtful decisions not only about your finances, but about your health and lifestyle too.
Three factors affecting your longevity planning
Knowing how long you might live in retirement is only one part of the equation. Equally important is the quality of those years. A fulfilling retirement often depends on social connection, physical and mental wellness, as well as financial confidence.
Happiness
Studies suggest that strong social connection may contribute to longer life. People with close relationships tend to experience lower rates of anxiety and depression, stronger immune systems, and greater self-esteem.3
Even small actions—checking in on a friend, calling a loved one, or volunteering—can help foster a greater sense of connection and belonging.
Health
It’s probably no surprise that eating well and staying physically active are important for longevity, but so is keeping your brain engaged. Mental stimulation plays a big role in long-term wellness. This can include activities like learning a new skill, doing crossword puzzles, or practicing mindfulness to keep your mind sharp and energized.
Financial Readiness
As we age, financial planning becomes even more important. Today’s retirees often spend twice as long in retirement as previous generations. Understanding how long you may live—and planning accordingly—can help you stay ahead of expenses and avoid financial surprises. Don’t overlook major expenses, like retirement healthcare costs and housing, which can significantly impact your budget.
Being financially prepared is essential at any age. The average retiree today can expect to spend about 20 years in retirement, but many are living well beyond that.4
That’s why understanding your potential lifespan and how to support it is crucial—especially early in your career when you may be laying the foundation for future financial security. The earlier you begin retirement planning and saving, the better positioned you’ll be to manage long-term costs and maintain your quality of life.
Prepare for the future
You can’t predict how long you will live, but you can prepare for it.
Let us help you plan for retirement.
When reviewing your retirement plan, you may wonder if you’re contributing the right amount. TIAA offers assistance as part of your plan.
Guidance that’s tailored to you
Retirement Journey Planner can help you save, invest and protect your income in retirement.
A benefit for TIAA participants
Retirement planning help is available as a benefit in most plans – at no additional cost.
1 Social Security Administration, Table 10 — Period Life Expectancies at Selected Exact Ages, by Sex and Calendar Year,
2 TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC), Retired for how long?, Worker expectations for how long they’ll live in retirement,
3 Stanford Medicine, Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection,
4 Social Security Administration, Acturial Life Table, Period Life Table, 2022, as used in the 2025 Trustees Report,
This material is for informational or educational purposes only and is not fiduciary investment advice, or a security, investment strategy, or insurance product recommendation. This material does not consider an individual’s own objectives or circumstances which should be the basis of any investment decision.