John Hancock-MIT longevity index stays at 60; caregiving lags at 43

U.S. adults averaged 60 out of 100 on John Hancock and MIT AgeLab's 2026 Longevity Preparedness Index, the same average as in 2025, PLANADVISER — Advice reported. The index scored respondents across eight areas, including caregiving, finance, health and life transitions.

Caregiving (43), health (56) and home (56) were the weakest of the index's eight areas, while community (71) and social connection (69) scored highest. Life transitions rose two points from 2025 to 63.

Respondents who work with a financial professional scored 67 overall, versus 58 for those who never have, and scored higher in every index section. That is a 9-point gap, against 7 points last year, when advised respondents scored 65. For advisors, the spread is a referral case that runs past the portfolio: the index puts the advantage in caregiving, health and life transitions as well as finance. Life insurance ownership tracked the same pattern, 63 for the insured versus 58 for the uninsured.

Preparedness also climbed with age: 61 for respondents 55 through 64, 65 for those 65 through 74 and 68 for those 75 and older, while scores stayed relatively flat among adults through age 54.