Prepare for a better retirement
Our research with the MIT AgeLab revealed an eye-opening reality—many Americans aren't prepared to live a longer, better life. If we want to help people thrive in retirement, we need to widen our lens on aging well and broaden our focus beyond being just about money.
Thriving in longevity is about more than money
Longevity depends on more than saving money and staying healthy. It’s also about where you live, how you spend your time, the people you’re close to, and whether your home and routines give you a sense of purpose and independence.
Longevity Preparedness Index
We’re proud to introduce the first-of-its-kind Longevity Preparedness Index (LPI), which we developed in partnership with the MIT AgeLab. The study revealed that many Americans are underprepared for a longer life, falling short in critical areas such as care, housing, and health. Instead of focusing on just finances, we looked more deeply at the eight domains of behavior that are critical to aging well.
Explore research on reshaping retirement planning
Why longevity matters
“Our goal with the Longevity Preparedness Index (LPI) is simple—expand the conversation around what it means to prepare well for longer lives by taking a holistic perspective. LPI scores point toward the opportunities people have to achieve their best and healthiest lives while highlighting the progress many are already making in their longevity preparedness. Results from the LPI underscore that taking some small but intentional steps—such as planning for a new hobby, starting a fitness routine, or having a conversation about care—can lead to a better future and make a big impact on how we spend our later years.
We’re proud to work with John Hancock on this research and look forward to seeing what actions organizations, governments, and individuals take as a result.”
Dr. Joe Coughlin, Founder and Director, MIT AgeLab
How can we help participants thrive in retirement?
Longevity is reshaping what it takes to prepare for a retirement that could last decades. The LPI was created to help us understand what it takes to thrive as we age. Instead of focusing on just money, we looked more deeply at the eight domains of behavior that are critical to aging well. If we want to help participants prepare for a better retirement, then the focus of our conversations needs to expand and include planning for all domains.
Health
Getting and staying healthy can help you stay independent.
Finances
Being financially stable starts with making a plan when you’re young.
Daily activities
Making every day count can give you a sense of purpose.
Social connection
Maintaining relationships is vital to your well-being.
Care
Giving care and needing care are natural parts of life.
Home
Staying in your home means making it fit your changing needs.
Community
Living in a place that fits your needs can affect your quality of life.
Life transitions
Embracing big changes can help boost your well-being.
Coming soon—exclusive participant health and wellness offerings
If we want to help participants prepare for a longer, healthier, and better retirement, then the focus of our conversations needs to expand and include planning for all the domains. We’re excited to share that we’re doing just that by offering participants leading tools and resources that are currently available to our life insurance customers through John Hancock Vitality.
Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition guide
Online subscription to a health and nutrition newsletter on living healthier longer—this has been available to John Hancock life insurance customers since 2016.
GRAIL multi-cancer early screening test
Discounts on Galleri®, a simple blood test that screens for early signs of many cancers—John Hancock was the first life insurer to offer customers this test.
Garmin products
Discounts on products that support fitness goals—John Hancock Vitality has offered discounted Garmin technology since the program started.
Important disclosures
Important disclosures
The Longevity Preparedness Index was conducted online and by phone interview in English, sourced through the NORC AmeriSpeak Panel. The sample was a U.S. representative sample comprised of 1,307 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 U.S. population. Survey data were collected from 5/14/25 to 6/5/25, with a median survey length of approximately 25 minutes per respondent.
LPI scores can range from 0 (not at all prepared for longevity) to 100 (completely prepared for longevity). The overall LPI is composed of eight domains. Domain scores are each calculated independently and can range from 0 to 100. All eight domain scores were averaged to calculate the overall LPI score. Eight to 26 unique survey items are used to represent preparedness for each domain. Each domain captures positive behaviors toward longevity preparedness and awareness of the importance of a domain. Missing data were handled by imputation based on modal scores by age, gender, and income. Based on respondents aged 65-85, survey items were weighted to indicate their contribution to preparedness within a domain. Items with low weights were removed from score calculation. Behavioral scores (weight 75%) and awareness responses (weight 25%) were combined to create a domain score that can range from 0 to 100.
The Longevity Preparedness Index was developed in collaboration with MIT AgeLab and funded by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.). While financial support was provided for the research, it did not influence the findings, methodology, or conclusions.
Manulife John Hancock is not affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab, GRAIL, Garmin, or Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition, and none are responsible for the liabilities of the other.
Currently the Galleri test is only available to registered John Hancock Vitality PLUS members who are 40 years of age or older and have completed the initial Vitality Health Review (VHR). For eligible polices with face amounts of $500,000 in life insurance coverage or greater, 100% of the cost of the test will be subsidized. For policies with face amounts less than $500,000 in life insurance coverage, 50% of the cost of the test will be subsidized. Test eligibility is also subject to GRAIL’s clinically informed criteria, as well as additional cancer risk factors for those ages 40–49. Note: for members with multiple policies, the policy with the highest face amount in life insurance coverage will determine the subsidy amount of the Galleri offer. The offer of discounted access to the Galleri test is subject to change. Access to the Galleri test through the John Hancock Vitality Program is not currently available in all states. The Galleri test is manufactured and distributed by GRAIL, LLC. John Hancock does not provide medical advice, is not involved in the design or manufacture of the Galleri test, and is not responsible for the accuracy or performance of the Galleri test.
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.
The content of this webpage is for general information only and believed to be accurate and reliable as of the presentation date but may be subject to change. It is not intended to provide investment, tax, plan design, or legal advice (unless otherwise indicated). Consult your own independent advisor as to any investment, tax, or legal statements made.
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