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Mind, Body, and Wallet® 2026

Living longer, living better:
Preparing for a healthier tomorrow starts today

Living longer is becoming the norm — but living well throughout your whole life takes intention. Mind, Body, and Wallet 2026, explores how the choices we make today can help shape our health, happiness, and financial confidence for years to come.

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  1. US Life Expectancy (1950-2025), Macrotrends, March 2026

  2. Gramlich, John, and Lin, Luona, On average, Americans want to live until they’re 91, Pew Research Center, 2025

  3. Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 States and Nearly Half of U.S. Counties, US Census Bureau, June 26, 2025

  4. ibid.

  5. Todd, Karen E., The Aging Trap: Why Big Plans Fail and Small Habits Win, Psychology Today, November 2025

  6. Lin, Luona, and Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, How Americans Are Thinking About Aging, Pew Research Center,
    November 6, 2025

  7. Munnell, Alicia H., Will the Average Retirement Age Keep Rising?, Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, April 15, 2025

  8. Horovitz, Bruce, 10 Unexpected Expenses in Retirement, AARP, November 6, 2025

  9. Lin, Luona, and Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, How Americans Are Thinking About Aging, Pew Research Center, November 6, 2025

  10. ibid.

  11. ibid.

  12. The Impact of Stress and Sleep on Bad Cholesterol, Imperial Center Family Medicine, February 2, 2026

  13. Girotti, Milena, Bulin, Sarah E., Carreno, Flavia R., Effects of chronic stress on cognitive function — From neurobiology to intervention, ScienceDirect, November 2024

  14. Can Stress Worsen Dementia? The Biological Link, Biology Insights, December 14, 2025

  15. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, The US Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, 2023

  16. Gavin, Kara, 1 in 3 older adults still experience loneliness and isolation, Michigan Medicine, December 9, 2024

  17. Lin, Luona, and Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, How Americans Are Thinking About Aging, Pew Research Center, November 6, 2025

  18. ibid.

  19. Guardian’s 13th Annual Workplace Benefits Study, 2024

  20. Roman, Christina, Survey Says: Many Gen Zers and Millennials Seeking Financial Independence, Experian, June 26, 2023

  21. Lin, Luona, and Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, How Americans Are Thinking About Aging, Pew Research Center, November 6, 2025

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. WestPac Wealth Partners LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Insurance products offered through WestPac Wealth Partners and Insurance Services, LLC, a DBA of WestPac Wealth Partners, LLC. CA Insurance License Number - 0F54659.

Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 4150 BELDEN VILLAGE ST NW, SUITE 301, CANTON OH, 44718, 330-265-2600. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. SIRAK FINANCIAL SERVICES is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS. This firm is an agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. CA Insurance License Number - 0C11125, AR Insurance License Number - 510741.

“Financial advisor”/“advisor” is used generally to describe insurance/annuity and investment sales and advisory professionals who may hold varied licensing as insurance agents, registered representatives of broker-dealers, and investment advisory representatives (IAR) of registered investment advisors, respectively. Only those representatives who use advisor in their title or otherwise disclose their status and meet the necessary licensing or registration requirements provide investment advisory services.

Mental wellness benefits discussed herein are provided by Spring Care, Inc., d/b/a Spring Health (“Spring Health”), 60 Madison Avenue, Floor 2, New York, NY 10010. Spring Health is not an insurance benefit. Insured products are offered by The Guardian Life Insurance Company, New York, N.Y. (“Guardian”) which has a financial interest in Spring Health.

Peloton is an unaffiliated service provider for The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America and is wholly responsible for the administration of these services. © Peloton 2012-2024, Peloton Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.

Carrot provides an educational resource only and is not a provider of health services. Carrot is a vendor to The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (“Guardian”). Carrot and Guardian are not affiliated entities. Guardian does not control or provide any part of the Carrot services and does not bear any liability for their provision. This informational resource is not a contract and is for illustrative purposes only. Guardian and Carrot reserve the right to discontinue services at any time without notice. Services may not be available in all states.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, medical, or financial advice. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, medical, or finance advice. Consult your tax, legal, medical, or finance professional regarding your individual situation.

This material is intended for general use. By providing this content Park Avenue Securities LLC and your financial representative are not undertaking to provide investment advice or make a recommendation for any specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact a financial representative for guidance and information that is specific to your individual situation.

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Copyright© 2026 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved.

Americans imagine their later years as active, meaningful, and full of possibility, yet many aren’t laying the groundwork to make that vision a reality.

This report brings awareness to the gap between the quality of life we hope for and how we’re preparing today, showing why mind, body, and wallet are deeply connected over time. With clear insights and practical perspective, it encourages small, consistent steps that can turn longevity from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for purpose and confidence.

Longevity is not a problem to solve at retirement age: It’s a lifelong equation shaped by daily choices, habits, and planning decisions.

A longer life isn’t just about adding years — it’s about making those years count. Discover how aligning your physical health, emotional wellness, and financial habits today can help you build a future that feels strong and confident on your own terms.

Do your current habits support thriving throughout your life?

How long would you like to live? It’s a deceptively difficult question. Some may immediately choose a far-off age with thoughts of all they could see and do with that time. But for many, the query only prompts more questions: Will my later years be active, or will I be confined? Will they be spent in sickness or in health? Will my money last as long as I need it to?

Life expectancy in the US is 79 years.1 Yet most Americans hope for more. On average, they say they’d like to live to age 91.2 At the same time, the country itself is growing older.3

From 2023 to 2024, the population of Americans age 65 and older rose to 61.2 million, and the share of people in this age group increased from 12% to 18%.⁴

Longer lives are becoming the norm. But the goal isn’t just to live longer. For 40% of Americans, aging well means staying physically active, while 26% prioritize staying mentally sharp. Ultimately, what people really want is to live well.5 That means having confidence in the years ahead and the ability to stay healthy, independent, and engaged with life as they age.

Imagine yourself at 70, 80, and beyond. Perhaps you see more time spent traveling, deepening relationships, or finally focusing on what brings you purpose and joy. Whatever your vision, the encouraging news is that many of the factors that shape how we age are within our control. Daily choices — moving more, eating well, making a long-term savings plan, managing stress, staying socially connected, and keeping the brain engaged — all contribute to a stronger foundation for the future.

Just 18% of Americans under age 65 often think about what life will be like in their 70s and older.⁶

  • Clearly, many of us aren’t engaging in activities or habits that prepare us to thrive mentally, physically, and financially long into the future:

    • 61% of people say they do a fair to poor job of living within their means.

    • 42% of people say they do a fair to poor job of getting enough exercise.

    • 35% of people say they do a fair to poor job of taking care of their mental health.

  • Now consider how often you choose to skip a medical appointment instead of keeping current with recommended tests, put off paying down debt, or scroll on your phone for hours rather than meet up with friends. These actions don’t support wellness now — or living well in the future.

    A longer life can be a gift if it’s paired with quality, purpose, and confidence. Creating that future happens through thoughtful planning and small, meaningful steps taken over time.

    This report explores how caring for your mind, body, and wallet today can help you build a future that reflects the life you want to live — not just longer, but better.

Introduction

Physical health, mental resilience, and financial stability compound — or erode — over time. Future quality of life is shaped not by decisions made in your 60s, but often by habits formed decades earlier. This raises an important question: How do we help ensure longer lives are also better lives?

For most Americans, retirement represents a shift in how they work — not an end to productivity

Since Americans are living longer, they’re working longer, too. The average retirement age has increased about three years over the past three decades.7 Guardian data finds 36% of full-time working Americans expect to retire between ages 65 and 69, with Gen Z and younger millennials far more likely to say they’re planning for 30+ years of full retirement (20% of younger workers versus 11% of Gen X).

Today, most Americans plan to spend about two decades fully retired.

Even what being “retired” looks like has evolved. While a third (33%) define retirement as not working at all, almost as many individuals (30%) say they plan to stop their full-time career but will likely work in some other capacity, perhaps on an entrepreneurial pursuit. And about a quarter (23%) plan to work part-time or on a consulting basis.

Two-thirds of Americans anticipate a retirement that includes working in some capacity.

Members of Gen Z are almost twice as likely as Gen X to say they expect to not be working at all during retirement, potentially because they’re younger and haven’t fully realized the reality of how much they might need to save.

The desire to continue working in some capacity is due to a number of factors, with finances being top of mind. Guardian data shows 43% say that they plan to work until their health begins to deteriorate, which isn’t surprising given current estimates show Americans are expected to spend about $172,000 on medical expenses during retirement, and their top financial concern is having their retirement savings last as long as it needs to (41%).8

But when Americans who already — or plan to — work beyond the “traditional” age of 65 are asked why, their responses tell a more nuanced story.

The top three reasons are not about financial necessity but to support an ideal life (having money for extras, feeling fulfilled). That points to a general optimism about retirement and life ahead.

“Retirement isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter. As people live longer, fuller lives, financial planning shouldn’t just be about saving. It should help them feel confident, flexible, and free to enjoy whatever comes next.” — Erin Culek, Head of Financial Protection & Retirement Solutions, Guardian

Top three reasons why Americans plan to continue working beyond age 65:

  • 41%

    I want additional income to support my lifestyle (e.g., travel, expensive purchases).

  • 39%

    Concerned that I’d be bored without work.

  • 37%

    For personal fulfillment.

Americans imagine their older years as an active, engaged life stage, not a period of withdrawal

Along with working longer, Americans want to pursue an active lifestyle in retirement and are motivated to continue working to help fund it.

Data also shows that many Americans, especially younger ones, have high expectations for how they’ll feel and look during their older years. And across generations, they share a relatively consistent vision of what it means to age well: staying physically active and mentally sharp.

While people in upper income brackets are slightly more likely to expect to age well (90%), most older Americans have a positive outlook about key aspects of their well-being.9 Sixty-six percent of Americans age 65+ say they feel optimistic about their life all or most of the time, and 70% say they have people they can turn to for support all or most of the time.10

  • What Americans most look forward to in retirement

    Percentage who “strongly agree/agree”

    • 60% Having more free time.

    • 55% Traveling/exploring new places.

    • 52% Spending more time with family and friends.

    • 41% Pursuing hobbies or passions.

    • 37% Focusing on health and wellness.

  • More than 8 in 10 American adults under age 65 say they expect to age well.¹¹

  • Fewer than a third of Americans age 45+ have planned for key aspects of aging

    Percentage who say they have a plan for the following

    • 30% Where I’ll live as I get older.

    • 23% Who will care for me if I become ill, disabled, and/or as I age.

    • 23% Making my home accessible for aging in place.

  • Despite their optimistic outlook, many Americans aren’t laying the groundwork for a long and healthy life

    As we’ve seen, most Americans have specific ideas about how they plan to enjoy their additional free time during retirement. Unfortunately, many Americans aren’t on a path to be mentally, physically, and financially fit enough to fulfill those dreams. In fact, they report the lowest well-being ever in the 15 years that Guardian has run our Workplace Benefits Study.

  • How Americans rate their well-being

    Percentage rating each “excellent/very good”

    • 34% Mental/emotional health

    • 36% Physical health

    • 30% Financial health

  • These gaps matter because aspirations like travel, staying socially active, and enjoying hobbies rely on being healthy and independent enough to pursue them. While self-reported mental, physical, and financial health are lower than in 2025, financial health in particular is tied at its lowest level ever. And the average score on the Workforce Well-Being Index™ (WWBI) is at an all-time low for the second year running.

  • And although older adults generally self-report better well-being than younger generations — 42% of baby boomers have high Well-Being Index scores compared to just 31% of Gen Z and millennials — they still face challenges.

    Longevity is not necessarily synonymous with health or independence. In addition to having more free time to enjoy, longer lives may mean more years managing chronic conditions, more years taking care of loved ones — or needing a caregiver yourself — and more years requiring financial self‑sufficiency.

    Most aren’t prepared. About a quarter of Americans age 45+ say they haven’t considered who will care for them in the event they become ill, disabled, and/or as they age (26%), where they’ll live as they get older (22%), or what modifications they may need to make to their home to support aging in place (36%).

Mind

  • “Take care of yourself before your mind and body make the decision for you. The small things matter more than we give them credit for. Resting, moving your body, connecting with people, setting boundaries — these are not extras; they are essential. You do not have to earn the right to take care of yourself.” — Monica Elliott, Associate Director of Clinical Training, Spring Health

  • Stress can contribute to premature aging, and most Americans don’t manage it well

    Mental and emotional health are critical to longevity. Chronic stress not only affects mental wellness, but is also linked to poorer physical health outcomes like high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep disruption, and cognitive decline — factors that undermine independence later in life.12,13

    Several studies link chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels to increased dementia risk among elderly people.¹⁴

    Yet most working Americans aren’t on a good path to minimizing stress: Over the past two years, nearly 4 in 10 Americans report feeling increased anxiety, depression, or mental health needs. Only about a third say they’re good at taking care of their mental health (34%) and maintaining good work/life balance. By contrast, among people who report high overall well-being, 75% say they're good at taking care of their mental health, demonstrating that positive habits can pay off.

    Social connections and community are other key factors contributing to positive mental health. Not only is the lack of social connectivity connected with higher rates of anxiety and depression, but it can negatively impact physical health as well.

    Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day.¹⁵

  • Unfortunately, loneliness is a relatively common challenge for older Americans. One in 3 older adults say they experience loneliness and isolation.16

    That reality may point to why so many Americans are opting to remain in the workforce longer: Thirty-nine percent of Americans worry they’ll be bored in retirement, and 19% worry they’ll be lonely and won’t feel useful.

Body

  • “When thinking about improving health and wellness, start with small attainable goals, such as starting the day with a glass of water, adding a serving of veggies to lunch, or eating dinner on a smaller plate. These changes may feel insignificant on their own, but over time you will have created lifelong habits that, together, will make a huge impact on your overall health.” — Melissa O’Shea, Registered Dietitian, Wellness Concepts

  • Few Americans report healthy behaviors that support longevity, even at a younger age

    Most people think they have substantial control over their physical health as they age. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans say they have a “great deal” or “fair” amount of control over their physical health, and 6 in 10 say the same about their mobility as they age.17

    Despite their optimism, 37% of Americans worry their health and mobility will impact their quality of life when they’re older, and another 1 in 5 worry their spouse’s health and/or mobility will impact the same.

    More than 1 in 5 older adults say it’s difficult for them to carry out everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.¹⁸

    They’re concerned for good reason: Although preventive care and healthy lifestyle habits are widely recognized as important to aging well, data shows that many Americans struggle to maintain these behaviors today.

    While Gen Z and millennials self-report better overall physical health than older people, paradoxically they trail older generations in some healthy behaviors. Fifty-nine percent of baby boomers say they’re very good/excellent at keeping up with routine doctor appointments versus only 34% of Gen Z and millennials, and 37% of baby boomers report eating a healthy diet versus only 29% of Gen Z and millennials.

    Cost pressures exacerbate these gaps. Nearly 19% of employees report skipping or avoiding doctor appointments due to medical costs, and 12% have skipped routine screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies. Similarly, only 43% of adults visit the dentist the recommended twice per year for preventive care.19 These behaviors increase the likelihood of unmanaged chronic conditions later in life.

    While healthy habits can't guarantee physical wellness, data shows they can help. Among individuals with high overall well-being, 68% say they're good at keeping up with routine doctor appointments, 61% say they're good at eating a healthy diet, and 66% say they get enough exercise.

  • “Fitness can be daunting, but it’s ultimately something that should make you feel good. Studies show even 5- or 10-minute sessions once or a few times a day decrease the risk of being sedentary. The point is just to start moving.” — Rachel Josephson, B2B Partnership Management, Corporate Wellness, Peloton for Business

  • 37% of Americans worry their health and mobility will impact their quality of life when they’re older.

Wallet

  • “You don’t have to save a lot to get started — what matters most is starting early and sticking with it. Putting away even a little in your 20s and 30s helps build a strong foundation for long‑term financial confidence.” — Nichole Mayer, Wealth Management Advisor, WestPac Wealth Partners

  • Financial stress is widespread, and concern about having enough money is driving it

    Financial wellness emerges as the most fragile pillar of well-being, with only 30% reporting “excellent” or “very good” financial health.

    Half of working Americans say money/finances is their top source of stress.

    Their overall stress is likely exacerbated by feeling that they don’t manage their day-to-day finances well, and only 32% say they’re good at sticking to a long-term financial plan. By contrast, among people with high self-reported financial wellness, 65% say they're very good at living within their means and 61% work with a financial advisor.

  • These affordability and savings challenges compound over time. Financial stress can lead to delayed health care, reduced mental well‑being, and forced early retirement — creating a cycle that undermines longevity from multiple angles. Younger adults find it particularly hard to afford housing and save for the future: More than half of Gen Z and millennials are financially dependent on their parents.20

    This highlights a lack of confidence in current financial behaviors that translates to a lack of confidence in saving for retirement. It’s no wonder that among financial concerns specifically, retirement ranks highest.

  • Common retirement concerns among Americans

    • 41% Their retirement savings won’t last as long as needed.

    • 37% They won’t have a guaranteed source of income in retirement.

    • 36% They won’t be able to save enough for retirement.

  • Most Americans feel off track financially for the future

    Sadly, despite having ideas about what they want to feel and what they want to do in retirement, Americans’ overall confidence in retirement readiness is limited. Only 13% of working Americans feel exactly on track to save enough for the lifestyle they want in retirement, while 45% say they’re somewhat or very far off track.

    Among workers age 45 and older, more than half (55%) regret not starting to save sooner for retirement, and 53% regret not saving enough.

    As a result, many are delaying retirement, not out of personal preference, but financial necessity. Younger adults are especially affected by financial anxiety around retirement, despite it being farther away. While 51% of younger adults say they feel excited when thinking about their later years — especially about time with loved ones and more free time — financial instability remains their greatest fear about aging.21

  • “Longevity changes everything. Retirement isn’t about maximizing returns — it’s about creating income you can’t outlive so you can spend your money with confidence, knowing your lifestyle and legacy are protected no matter how long you live.” — Gary Sirak, Financial Advisor and author of How to Retire and Not Die

  • One-third of Americans say they don’t have sufficient savings or investments to stop working.

  • Turning longevity into opportunity

    Living longer is increasingly the norm. The real challenge is ensuring that your later years are healthy, independent, and fulfilling. The findings from this report make one thing clear: There’s a disconnect between how Americans hope to live later in life and how well they are preparing for it today.

    Longevity is not a problem to solve at retirement age. It’s a lifelong equation shaped by daily choices, habits, and planning decisions.

    By aligning mind, body, and wallet early and consistently, individuals can help transform longevity from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for growth, connection, and purpose.

  • “You’re finally at that age where you’ve lived enough to know exactly what it is you want. You may be asking yourself how to make the rest of your life be more intentional. That might look like re-examining your role at work or possibly looking for a new purpose. Maybe now it’s about asking yourself, ‘What’s my next phase?’” — Dr. Javine McLaughlin, OBGYN, Certified Menopause Provider, VP of Global Clinical Operations, Carrot

Preparing for a long, healthy life — decade by decade

  • 20s

    Establish your foundation

    • Develop good health practices (regular doctor and dentist visits, exercise, sleep).

    • Build positive stress‑management habits and social connections.

    • Enroll in your employer’s retirement plan, health and dental insurance, disability coverage, and life insurance.

    • Build emergency savings

  • 30s

    Build momentum

    • Stay up to date on preventive health care.

    • Address burnout to protect work/life balance.

    • Increase retirement contributions and review your disability and life insurance limits.

    • Manage and reduce debt strategically.

  • 40s

    Strengthen resilience

    • Start getting recommended health care screenings (such as mammograms and colonoscopies).

    • Plan for caregiving responsibilities.

    • Stress-test your retirement plans.

    • Diversify savings across tax-advantaged options and protect income.

    • Be sure estate plans are in order — explore resources through an employee assistance program (EAP) as a starting point.

  • 50s

    Optimize and adapt

    • Make catch-up payments to your retirement fund.

    • Stay on top of preventive health screenings and vision exams.

    • Take advantage of employee benefits that support physical, financial, and mental health — including
      menopause support resources, EAPs, health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible savings
      accounts (FSAs).

    • Start planning for your needs as you age: Where will you live? Who will help take care of you
      if necessary?

    • Purchase long-term care insurance.

    • Consider adding guaranteed income like annuities to your retirement strategy.

    • Work with a professional to update estate and legacy plans.

  • 60s and beyond

    Thrive and enjoy

    • Focus on finding purpose beyond work (volunteering, pursuing a new hobby).

    • Prioritize building cognitive and physical resilience.

    • Build sustainable retirement income strategies.

    • Familiarize yourself with traditional Medicare (the government program) and Medicare Advantage (administered by private insurers) so you can decide what to enroll in when the time comes.

Methodology and sample characteristics

The Guardian 15th Annual Workplace Benefits Study was fielded in January and February of 2026 and consisted of two online surveys: one among benefits decision-makers (employers) and another among working Americans (employees), allowing us to explore benefits issues from both perspectives.

Employer survey

Employer results are based on a national online survey of 2,000 employee benefits decision-makers. Respondents include business executives, business owners, human resources professionals, and financial management professionals. The survey covers all industries and is nationally representative of US businesses with at least five full-time employees. For the purposes of this report, small businesses were defined as having fewer than 100 employees. Data shown in this report have been weighted to reflect the actual proportion of US businesses by company size, based on data from the US Census Bureau. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level is +/- 2.2%.

Employee survey

Employee results are based on a survey conducted among 2,000 employees age 22 or older who work full time or part time for a company with at least five employees. The survey sample is nationally representative of US workers at companies of at least five employees. Data shown in this report have been collected in a way to reflect the actual proportion of US workers by gender, region, race, ethnicity, education level, household income, age, and employer size, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau. The margin of error is +/- 2.2% at the 95% confidence level. Guardian’s Workforce Well-Being Index™ (WWBI) measures consumer attitudes in three core areas: financial wellness, physical wellness, and emotional wellness, and ranks them on a 10-point scale. Unless otherwise noted, all information contained in this report is from the 15th Annual Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 2026.