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Two Paths to Longevity: Planning for the Future & Living to 100
Two recent reports offer complementary insights into how we approach aging. One, from MIT AgeLab and John Hancock, focuses on planning for the years ahead. The other, from UnitedHealthcare, examines the lived habits of those who have already reached 100 years old.
Part 1: The Longevity Preparedness Index
A New Tool to Gauge Your Readiness
The MIT AgeLab, in partnership with John Hancock, has developed the Longevity Preparedness Index. This online quiz assesses an individual's readiness for aging across eight key domains, including relationships, health, community, and daily activities.
- Time to Complete: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Average Score: 60 out of 100.
The tool was introduced at a John Hancock longevity conference in April. Joe Coughlin, director of MIT AgeLab, stated that the index is intended to reveal both the challenges and opportunities in planning for longevity. John Hancock CEO Brooks Tingle noted that taking the quiz shifted his own thinking about retirement planning.
"The index is intended to reveal challenges and opportunities in planning for longevity." — Joe Coughlin, MIT AgeLab
The Financial Reality of Aging
Experts cited in the report highlight significant financial hurdles. The cost of non-medical caregiving averages $80,000 per year. Samara Scheckler of Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies pointed to the "dual burden of housing and care." Psychologist Laura Carstensen of the Stanford Center on Longevity emphasizes the need to also consider the potential opportunities of a longer life. Her team has created "The New Map of Life" to examine how society can better support lifelong learning.
Part 2: The UnitedHealthcare Centenarian Survey
The Habits of the 100+ Club
A separate survey of 100 centenarians (people aged 100 and over) provides a unique look at their daily habits, social lives, and outlook on aging.
Physical & Mental Engagement
Nearly half of centenarians engage in strength training weekly. Their active routines include:
- 42% regularly walk or hike.
- ~30% participate in gardening.
- 36% engage in meditation for mental health and stress relief.
A significant 67% reported maintaining a healthy diet.
Perception and Satisfaction
Many centenarians report feeling decades younger than their actual age and often do not identify as "old." Aging is described as a "gradual realization," marked by changes like needing more rest and longer recovery times. Common challenges include hearing loss and increased physical aches.
Despite these obstacles, 85% of centenarians say they enjoy life, find it easy to laugh, and maintain a sense of humor. They find joy in simple activities like gardening, reading, and crafting.
Technology & Social Connection
The centenarians surveyed are surprisingly tech-savvy:
- 40% play video games regularly.
- 27% have used AI platforms like ChatGPT.
- Nearly 50% use social media to connect with friends and family.
Two-thirds maintain close relationships with family and friends and report a positive outlook. Four out of five say they have frequent social interactions—such as visits or get-togethers—at least once a week.
What Experts Say
Dr. Rhonda Randall, a geriatrician with UnitedHealthcare, states that centenarians demonstrate a holistic approach to aging, emphasizing a combination of good practices rather than any single habit. She notes that strong social connections are linked to lower rates of chronic conditions and increased life expectancy.
"Strong social connections are associated with lower rates of chronic conditions and increased life expectancies." — Dr. Rhonda Randall, UnitedHealthcare
Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, says the results confirm that social ties and a positive outlook are key to healthy aging.
The Brain Care Connection
Dr. Jonathan Rosand of Mass General Brigham observes that centenarians dedicate cognitive effort to self-care. He emphasizes that lifestyle choices—diet, exercise, stress management, and social engagement—are fundamental to successful aging.
A 2024 Lancet Commission report supports this, suggesting that approximately 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, including exercise, smoking, alcohol, diet, weight, and social isolation.
The McCance Center for Brain Health has developed the Brain Care Score, a tool that lets individuals assess their habits and identify areas for improvement.
Demographics & The Future
The survey sample represents a portion of the estimated 100,000 centenarians currently living in the U.S. Projections indicate this number will rise sharply, with over 400,000 centenarians anticipated by mid-century. Longevity is influenced by genetics, healthcare access, income, and other factors. However, experts agree that healthier habits can be adopted at any age to improve outcomes.