Help clients plan for the challenges of living longer lives.

Over the next 30 years, the number of Americans reaching the “Century Club”—living to age 100 and beyond—is expected to grow four-fold, from just over 100,000 in 2024 to nearly a half-million by 2054, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Yet, new research from the Nationwide Retirement Institute^® and The American College of Financial Services shows many people aren’t ready for the financial demands of living well into their 90s and potentially beyond.

Clients need to see a long retirement not as a possibility but as a probability. Financial professionals also need to discuss longevity risks with clients and help them plan for the financial challenges of living longer lives.

Lifespans are increasing, but financial planning hasn’t kept pace.

According to American College research, extending retirement by just five years from 30 to 35 years can significantly increase the risk of depleting savings. While clients are anxious about running out of money during retirement, many aren’t taking steps to prepare.

Roughly 3 in 4
consumers fear they’ll run out of money before they run out of time.*

Two older women smiling and laughing while drinking coffee.

Financial professionals can bring greater focus to longevity risk.

As longer lives become more common, many people worry about the financial implications these extra years bring. Financial professionals are in a position to raise awareness among their clients and help them plan for these challenges.

67%
of consumers would pay closer attention to their finances and increase their savings if they knew they would live longer.*

An older man meeting with his financial professional

Help clients feel more confident about living longer in retirement.

Investors may fear the financial risks of an extended retirement, yet many don’t know how to plan for them or what solutions exist to help manage these risks. Financial professionals can bridge the gap between awareness and adoption by crafting financial plans around the specific longevity risks their clients face.

of consumers believe long-term care insurance would be one of the most helpful resources for preparing to live to 100.*

Only 1 in 10 consumers reported they own a long-term care insurance policy.**

of consumers say an investment that guarantees income for life would help them feel more financially secure.*

Helping you help your clients plan for long-term financial security.

Nationwide is the go-to source for financial professionals for insights, tools and solutions on planning for financial security throughout retirement. Learn how we can help you design financial plans to prepare clients for longevity risks, including protected retirement income long-term health care solutions.

Discover our range of longevity planning resources.

* Nationwide Retirement Institute consumer survey

** “Executive Summary: Planning for the Century Club" The American College of Financial Services

This material is not a recommendation to buy or sell a financial product or to adopt an investment strategy. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.

Edelman Data and Intelligence (DXI) conducted a national 15-minute online survey of n=1,000 U.S. consumers (age 18+), and n=200 U.S. workers ages 55-65 on behalf of Nationwide from February 18 – February 26, 2025.

As a member in good standing with The Insights Association as well as ESOMAR Edelman Data and Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with local, national and international laws as well as in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

The Retirement Income Literacy Study conducted by The American College of Financial Services measures financial literacy in 12 retirement-related knowledge areas among individuals approaching or in retirement age. Researchers from The College surveyed 3,765 Americans aged 50 to 75 in 24-minute online interviews conducted in August 2023. The data was collected to match the 2020 U.S. Census for gender and race. Other figures reflect the authors’ calculations based on publicly available data. See the full report for all source citations.