Overview
What type of client are you?
Choose your location
Choose your location
Choose your location
The critical success factors of a longevity society
For most of modern history, society was designed for the young. Education systems absorbed children in great numbers, labour markets assumed decades of full-time work, and retirement was a brief afterthought at life’s end. That model reflected a population pyramid that is expanding - broad at the base and narrow at the top. But today, the pyramid has a narrower base with fertility rates falling.1
The fastest-growing demographic groups are the older populations. The challenge – and the opportunity – is how to reconfigure a society designed for the young to one that also caters for longevity. As people live longer, the traditional boundaries between work and retirement are dissolving. This shift is not a challenge to be feared. The longevity dividend - the economic and social value created by longer, healthier lives - can be realised through innovation across public policy, business, health, and financial services.
Encouragingly, our research shows that most people do not approach retirement with fear. And optimism increases with experience, with 56% of pre-retirees and 68% of retirees globally feeling positive about how life will be once they stop working (see chart below). This suggests that, with the right support, people can look forward to longer retirements with confidence.
Outlook on life in retirement (% responding very or somewhat positive)
Question: Thinking about retirement, which of the following statements reflects your outlook?
Source: Fidelity International, Opinium, October 2025.
The critical success factors
The most effective solutions for a longevity society will be those that combine structural changes including health, care, product and service innovation across a range of sectors including financial services and technology. Additionally, personalised guidance and support, along with trust-building initiatives, can foster confidence in both public systems and financial institutions.
Retirement planning is about recognising the interconnectivity of financial security with emotional wellbeing, social connectivity and physical health. This holistic approach will require collaboration from governments, communities, corporations including the financial sector, and the individuals themselves.
We believe there are a number of critical success factors to unlocking the full potential of the longevity dividend. Each is essential for helping people thrive in longer retirements and for enabling organisations and policymakers to respond effectively to demographic change.
- Address financial anxiety early. Helping people plan ahead can reduce uncertainty and stress. Early financial guidance and education enables individuals to make informed choices, build resilience, and feel confident that their resources will last. They also need clear, accessible information about where they stand financially, what options are available and be equipped to pivot if circumstances or plans change. Combined with simplified, actionable advice, individuals are better positioned to make informed decisions with confidence.
- Champion innovation in technology. Digital platforms, AI-powered guidance, and personalised tools are making it easier for individuals to access information, model scenarios, and make confident decisions about their future. Technology bridges gaps in financial literacy, supports wellbeing, and fosters connections - empowering people to take control of their longevity journey. For organisations, investing in technology in a way that effectively manages related risks means reaching more people, delivering tailored support, and driving efficiency.
- Prioritise health and care. Addressing concerns about wellbeing and autonomy is essential. By focusing on health and care provisions, and helping people plan for it, we remove major uncertainties and empower people to maintain independence and quality of life. This not only benefits individuals but also reduces pressure on public systems and families.
- Trust in public systems and institutions. Confidence in government support and financial institutions is vital. Transparent communication, reliable products, and accessible guidance help rebuild trust and encourage engagement. Predictability and stability in government pension rules are also essential, as people need assurance that the framework supporting their retirement will not shift unexpectedly, enabling individuals to plan with greater certainty and peace of mind. When people trust the systems and organisations that support them, they are more likely to seek help, follow advice, and participate in planning for their future.
- Support holistic wellbeing. Timely interventions across all four pillars—financial, physical, emotional, and social—make a difference. A holistic approach enables individuals to enjoy longer, healthier, and more connected lives. For society, this means a more resilient, engaged, and productive population.
Longer lives are not merely a statistic. It is an opportunity to create the conditions for people to live well and to enjoy more fulfilling retirements. Organisations and policymakers who embrace longevity wisely will not only support individuals in achieving security and purpose, but also establish a society that is wealthier, healthier and more cohesive than one before it.
1Populationpyramid.net, based on United Nations data, 2024.
Important Information
This material is for Institutional Investors and Investment Professionals only, and should not be distributed to the general public or be relied upon by private investors.
This material is provided for information purposes only and is intended only for the person or entity to which it is sent. It must not be reproduced or circulated to any other party without prior permission of Fidelity.
This material does not constitute a distribution, an offer or solicitation to engage the investment management services of Fidelity, or an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell any securities in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or offer is not authorised or would be contrary to local laws or regulations. Fidelity makes no representations that the contents are appropriate for use in all locations or that the transactions or services discussed are available or appropriate for sale or use in all jurisdictions or countries or by all investors or counterparties.
This communication is not directed at, and must not be acted on by persons inside the United States. All persons and entities accessing the information do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws and regulations and should consult their professional advisers. This material may contain materials from third-parties which are supplied by companies that are not affiliated with any Fidelity entity (Third-Party Content). Fidelity has not been involved in the preparation, adoption or editing of such third-party materials and does not explicitly or implicitly endorse or approve such content. Fidelity International is not responsible for any errors or omissions relating to specific information provided by third parties.
Fidelity International refers to the group of companies which form the global investment management organization that provides products and services in designated jurisdictions outside of North America. Fidelity, Fidelity International, the Fidelity International logo and F symbol are trademarks of FIL Limited. Fidelity only offers information on products and services and does not provide investment advice based on individual circumstances, other than when specifically stipulated by an appropriately authorised firm, in a formal communication with the client.
Europe: Issued by FIL Pensions Management (authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in UK), FIL (Luxembourg) S.A. (authorised and supervised by the CSSF, Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier), FIL Gestion (authorised and supervised by the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) N°GP03-004, 21 Avenue Kléber, 75016 Paris) and FIL Investment Switzerland AG.
UAE: The DIFC branch of FIL Distributors International Limited is regulated by the DFSA for the provision of Arranging Deals in Investments only. All communications and services are directed at Professional Clients and Market Counterparties only. Persons other than Professional Clients and Market Counterparties, such as Retail Clients, are NOT the intended recipients of our communications or services. The branch is established pursuant to the DIFC Companies Law, with registration number CL2923, as a branch of FIL Distributors International Limited, registered in Bermuda. FIL Distributors International Limited is licensed to conduct investment business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
In Hong Kong, this material is issued by FIL Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited and it has not been reviewed by the Securities and Future Commission.
FIL Investment Management (Singapore) Limited (Co. Reg. No: 199006300E) is the legal representative of Fidelity International in Singapore. This document / advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
In Taiwan, Independently operated by Fidelity Securities Investment Trust Co. (Taiwan) Limited 11F, No.68, Zhongxiao East Road, Section 5, Taipei 110, Taiwan, R.O.C. Customer Service Number: 0800-00-9911.
In Korea, this material is issued by FIL Asset Management (Korea) Limited. This material has not been reviewed by the Financial Supervisory Service, and is intended for the general information of institutional and professional investors only to which it is sent.
In China, Fidelity China refers to FIL Fund Management (China) Company Limited. Investment involves risks. Business separation mechanism is conducted between Fidelity China and the shareholders. The shareholders do not directly participate in investment and operation of fund property. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results, nor the guarantee for the performance of the portfolio managed by Fidelity China.
Issued in Japan, this material is prepared by FIL Investments (Japan) Limited (hereafter called “FIJ”) based on reliable data, but FIJ is not held liable for its accuracy or completeness. Information in this material is good for the date and time of preparation, and is subject to change without prior notice depending on the market environments and other conditions. All rights concerning this material except quotations are held by FIJ, and should by no means be used or copied partially or wholly for any purpose without permission. This material aims at providing information for your reference only but does not aim to recommend or solicit funds /securities.
For information purposes only. Neither FIL Limited nor any member within the Fidelity Group is licensed to carry out fund management activities in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines.
CC25/95