Half of population positive about living longer, but worried about quality of life, finds Canada Life

According to a report published by Canada Life called Life100+, almost half (47%) of UK adults feel positive about the prospect of celebrating their centenary, but 74% agreed that should they live to 100, they would worry about their quality of life.

The report found that the median ideal age to live to was 90; however, there was a five-year gap between this ideal age and how long respondents expected to live to, at 85. 

More than two-thirds (69%) said that retiring in their sixties would become a thing of the past, 25% disagreed that living longer meant that working longer.

Disagreement levels were highest amongst 18 to 34-year-olds, the age group most likely to live to 100 years or more.

Canada Life’s research also indicated that people were not discussing the potential implications of living longer with their family or loved ones, including what it might mean for care and inheritance plans.

Just half (49%) of the UK population had discussed their intentions. 

Lindsey Rix-Broom, CEO of Canada Life, said: “The prospect of a longer life should fill us with a sense of optimism.

“We can easily imagine people pursuing life with a sense of purpose, guiding younger generations and nurturing fulfilling relationships with loved ones.