Want To Live to 100? Longevity is a Hot Topic for Today’s Retiree!

Originally published: July 22, 2022

Updated: June 18, 2026

You have two choices when pondering how— and whether— you will live a long, healthy life. You can either apply the latest findings of longevity research to boost your odds, or you can eat what you want, forgo health and wellness habits, and figure it’s mostly genetics anyway. Most of us choose the middle ground.

If your goal is making it to 100, more power to you. It’s a crapshoot! Only about 0.009% of the current global population—an estimated 722,000 people worldwide—has done it, according to United Nations population estimates.

These lucky few are not easy to categorize. Some regularly enjoy alcohol, fat or sugar (in moderation). Researchers theorize that daily routines—even seemingly unhealthy ones like eating a dish of ice cream every night—might provide a beneficial stability.

A positive attitude helps them wave off irritants and overcome setbacks. They don’t worry about what they can’t control. And they derive joy from everyday experiences like watering plants or watching clouds cross the sky.

“People who live longer tend to be optimistic and manage their stress well,” said Tom Perls, M.D., a distinguished professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. “And optimistic people tend not to be neurotic, where they internalize their stress rather than let go of it.”

Founder and director of the New England Centenarian Study, Perls marvels at the resilience of individuals who reach an advanced age. He notes that a surprising number of people who approach age 100 live productively despite serious health ailments.

“About half of them have a history of aging-related disease like heart disease,” Perls said. “Maybe they had a stroke at 85 or have a history of cancer or diabetes. What’s remarkable is how they’re still living independently in their mid 90s. Normally, such diseases would carry a higher mortality risk. But, these individuals have a level of resilience that mitigates these diseases.”

Like most longevity experts, he also credits good genes. “Genetics is playing an incredibly strong role at the very oldest ages,” he said.

Perls offers a free online resource, the Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator, to help you assess your odds at Livingto100.com. After creating an account, you can answer a few questions, and the results include a life expectancy calculation along with personal feedback and recommendations.

For decades, we’ve known that good nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight can extend our lifespan. And it’s no secret that socially engaged folks with an active mind and a rosy outlook on life can boost their longevity. But we don’t always stop to think that longevity requires a good, solid financial plan as well, and lifetime income can sometimes be a key component to plan for.



There are new and exciting fields of study helping us live longer, like one that involves biomarkers of aging. Using various tests and measurements, researchers seek to contrast one’s biological age from their chronological age.

“Different people appear to age at different rates,” said Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, CEO of Optispan and affiliate professor at the University of Washington in Seattle. “But we don’t understand why. So we’re developing biomarkers that are predictive at an individual level.”

So do what it takes to be physically and financially healthy for many years to come. At Summerlin Benefits Consulting, we specialize in financial well-being, no matter how long you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does longevity planning mean for retirement finances?

A: Longevity planning means preparing financially to fund a retirement that could last 25–35 years or more. Because only a small fraction of people reach 100, most retirees need strategies—like lifetime income products—that protect against outliving savings regardless of how long they live.

Q: How can a Fixed Index Annuity help if I live a very long life?

A: A Fixed Index Annuity with a lifetime income rider guarantees monthly payments you cannot outlive, no matter how long retirement lasts. It protects principal from market loss while still allowing growth tied to a market index, making it a strong tool for longevity-focused retirement plans.

Q: What is the New England Centenarian Study and what has it found?

A: The New England Centenarian Study, led by Dr. Tom Perls at Boston University, is the world’s largest study of people aged 100 and older. Key findings: genetics, stress resilience, and a positive outlook are the strongest predictors of extreme longevity—and most centenarians remain functional well into their 90s.

Content is for informational purposes only. Does not constitute tax or legal advice. SBC does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Consult a tax/legal professional for guidance with your individual situation.