How to live longer – and afford it

If you’ve been looking for new ways to stay healthy, lose weight or live longer, you’re not alone. Products and services that help people live better and longer are big business, but it doesn’t have to cost you big bucks. Here are a few affordable tips that can help you plan for a longer life.

Celebrate more birthdays by improving daily routines

Some lifestyle choices that can potentially add years to your lifespan include:

  • Exercising regularly and practicing good nutrition habits can help you feel younger and lower your risk for health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. (Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program)
  • Setting goals — and accomplishing them — along with maintaining responsibilities, setting a schedule and demonstrating persistence with a sense of purpose impacts longevity, according to psychologists Leslie Martin and Howard S. Friedman for The Longevity Project1.
  • Staying close to friends and family can reduce stress, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular disease, which improves quality of life.

Prepare financially for a longer life

Living longer often means more time to spend with family and friends, but it also impacts the overall cost of living after retirement. Consider these tips to help ensure your family will be taken care of for years to come:

  • Since retirement could last 20 years or longer, finding a balance to have fun and save is important. Morningstar Investment Research found that retirement expenses actually look like a smile; they decrease throughout early retirement and increase during late retirement. This could be due to medical bills or inflation.
  • Review your life insurance coverage to make sure it continues to meet your needs. For example, if you purchased term life insurance when you were younger and thought you’d no longer need coverage by retirement, you may be able to exchange or convert your term coverage for permanent coverage.
  • Take a look at your income sources such as savings, investments or Social Security and determine if a supplemental income source would help fill the gap. Healthy habits make it possible to live longer and enjoy more time with friends and family, and establishing financial safeguards can help you manage life’s ups and downs so you’re able to live longer without sacrificing comfort.


1The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study by Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin



This article is provided by New York Life for informational purposes only. Neither New York Life, AARP, nor its affiliates provide tax, legal, financial, or accounting advice. Please consult your own professional for advice specific to your circumstances.