10/09/2025

Report Highlights Link Between Financial Stability and Longevity

A new report from the LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) reveals a powerful connection between net worth and life expectancy among older adults.

Authored by Jane Tavares, Marc Cohen, Maryssa Pallis, Kerry Glova, and Reena Sethi, the analysis draws on data from the national Health and Retirement Study and paints a concerning picture of financial fragility among aging Americans. The researchers found that 80% of adults over age 60 lack the financial stability to withstand a major life event such as divorce, a serious illness, or the need for long-term services and supports (LTSS).

Even more striking, 60% of older adults would be unable to afford aging in place for more than two years if their care needs increased—particularly as basic living costs like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare continue to rise.

The report underscores that economic inequality has direct health implications. As the authors note, “the mortality rate is nearly double, and the age of mortality is 9 years lower on average for the bottom 20% compared to the top 10%.” 

Read the full report here.