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Americans are increasingly aware that they may live longer than previous generations, but many are failing to make the preparations necessary to enjoy those additional years.

That’s the conclusion of a new study from John Hancock and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab, which found that Americans remain poorly prepared for the financial, physical, and personal challenges that can accompany longer lifespans.

The 2026 Longevity Preparedness Index, released October 27, gave Americans an average score of just 60 out of a possible 100. That was unchanged from 2025, suggesting that greater awareness of longevity hasn’t translated into meaningful improvements in preparedness.

The findings are particularly important for people approaching retirement or already retired. While accumulating enough savings remains essential, researchers say financial security is only one part of preparing for a potentially long retirement.

Other important considerations include where retirees will live, who will provide care if their health declines, and whether they will have the social connections and community support necessary to maintain their independence.

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Caregiving is the biggest blind spot

The study measured Americans’ readiness across eight areas of life, including finances, health, housing, caregiving, social connections, and major life transitions.

Of those categories, preparing for future care needs received the lowest score, just 43 out of 100.

Housing and health preparedness also ranked poorly, with both scoring 56. Those findings suggest many Americans may be overlooking some of the most consequential decisions they will face as they grow older.

For example, retirees may have carefully calculated how much income they will need from Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts, but given much less thought to what happens if they can no longer drive, maintain their homes, or manage everyday activities without assistance.

A sudden illness, disability, or the need for long-term care can create substantial financial and emotional challenges, particularly for people who haven’t discussed their preferences with family members.

The findings also raise questions about whether older Americans are adequately preparing their homes for aging in place, or considering alternative living arrangements if remaining at home becomes impractical.

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Americans are doing better at maintaining connections

The study wasn’t entirely negative. Americans scored highest in community preparedness, at 71 out of 100, followed by social connections, at 69.

Those findings suggest people are relatively more prepared to maintain relationships and community involvement than to manage future healthcare or caregiving needs.

That’s encouraging because strong social relationships can become increasingly important in retirement, particularly after leaving the workforce or losing a spouse.

The study also found a modest improvement in preparedness for major life transitions, with that category rising two points from 2025. Still, researchers emphasized that overall progress remains limited.

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Financial advice may make a difference

One of the study’s more notable findings involved people who work with financial professionals.

Those respondents had an overall preparedness score of 67, compared with 58 among people who had never worked with a financial professional.

The difference extended beyond financial preparedness to all eight areas measured by the index.

Wayne Park, CEO of Manulife John Hancock Retirement, said preparing for a longer life requires connecting financial decisions with other aspects of retirement, including health, caregiving, and changing living arrangements.

The findings suggest that retirement planning may be more effective when it considers the whole person rather than focusing exclusively on investment performance and savings balances.

However, the study establishes an association, not proof, that working with an adviser causes better preparedness. People who seek financial advice may also have greater financial resources or other advantages that help them plan.

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What retirees should do now

For older Americans, the research offers a reminder that a successful retirement requires more than making sure their savings will last.

There are several practical steps retirees and those approaching retirement can consider.

• Develop a caregiving plan. Discuss with family members who might provide assistance if health problems arise. Consider the potential costs of in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home services. Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care.
• Evaluate your home. Consider whether your current residence will remain safe and manageable as you age. Stairs, narrow doorways, bathrooms, and ongoing maintenance requirements may eventually create challenges.
• Review healthcare expenses. Retirement budgets should account for Medicare premiums, deductibles, prescription drugs, and other out-of-pocket costs. These expenses can change significantly over time.
• Protect social connections. Maintain relationships with friends, neighbors, family members, and community organizations. Social isolation can become a serious concern as people grow older.
• Prepare for major life changes. Retirement, the death of a spouse, declining health, and changes in financial circumstances can require important decisions. Having conversations and making plans in advance can reduce uncertainty.