Longevity and Retirement: Professor Andrew Scott on the Positive Impact of Longevity

Do you think that extended lifespans will have a positive impact or a negative impact on your life? We all know that people are living longer than ever before, many people see this as a negative, but have you considered the positive impact that this could be on society? Andrew Scott, coauthor of The 100-Year Life joins me to discuss longevity and adding purpose to life. He has some fascinating ideas about longevity and the role of older people in society, so grab your favorite headphones and join me on this episode of Retirement Answer Man.

The House of Representatives just passed the Secure Act

Exciting news for everyone that likes to see work getting done in Congress. The House of Representatives recently passed the Secure Act and it is now going to the Senate. If passed, The Secure Act is likely the most significant change to retirement planning since 2006. Here are a few of the details in the bill.

1. The bill suggests repealing the maximum age of retirement contributions which is now 70 ½. Since people are working longer they would be able to save longer.
2. It plans on increasing age of required minimum distribution (RMD) from 70 ½ to 72.
3. It will lett long-term, part-time workers participate in 401K’s
4. Parents will be able to withdraw up to $5000 from retirement accounts penalty-free within a year of the birth or adoption of a child.
5. The bill will allow the withdrawal of up to $10,000 from a 529 plan to help repay student loans.

How can we discover the positive impact of longevity?

As we have seen over the past few weeks, people are living longer than ever before. There are many implications to longevity but some people only look at the downsides. However, there are many positive aspects to living longer. How do we embrace the positive aspects of longevity? Even though not all the long years are healthy ones we are, on average, living longer, healthier lives than the previous generations. When people are more forward-thinking they can have an active, healthy life. Late middle-age has become longer. A longer life also means that you need to invest more in your future. Not just financialilly, invest more in your skills, in your health, and in your relationships.

The 100-year life is a multi-stage life

When we look at having a long life we look at that life in stages. The first part is focused on learning, the next is more career-centered, and in the past the third stage was focused on resting. Today’s modern retiree isn’t necessary looking to rest, they just want more time freedom. Finding purpose in retirement is important to living a happier, healthier life. The more purposeful your life is the longer it tends to be. We now need to find fulfillment in somewhere other than the workplace. So look around you to see how you can invest in yourself and find your purpose in retirement.

What habits is Andrew working on to create a long, healthy life?

Andrew Scott is in his 50’s so he knows that it is important for him to invest in physical and mental health as well as in relationships. He approaches life with curiosity and is focused on growth and exploration. He knows that since age is more malleable than ever before that he needs to be forward thinking. He sees retirement as a time to create a vision to see what all the possibilities are. He thinks that the future is exciting and that once again the baby boomers are here to blaze the trail ahead. What do you think? Are you excited about the prospect of an extended life?

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN HOT TOPIC SEGMENT

• [6:25] The House of Representatives just passed the Secure Act

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

• [10:06] Dr. Andrew Scott is the co-author of the book the 100-year life
• [14:53] Longevity is not just about how long you live but about how well you live.
• [23:11] What kind of habits is Andrew working on to create a long, healthy life?
• [26:04] What is different about the newest generation?

THE HAPPY LAB SEGMENT

• [32:14] My biking accident caused me to be thankful

TODAY’S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT

• [37:44] See if you can react positively to a negative situation

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

BOOK - The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott

Rock Retirement Club

Roger’s YouTube Channel - Roger That

BOOK - Rock Retirement  by Roger Whitney

Work with Roger

Roger’s Retirement Learning Center