Imagine retiring at 65, physically fit and mentally sharp, only to realize by 75 that your savings are insufficient—with 20 or even 30 more years ahead. What would you do?

A recent study by Fidelity International and the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) reveals that 42% of the global population aged 50+ face a retirement savings shortfall of at least a decade.

As human lifespans extend unprecedentedly, are we prepared for this longevity revolution? Fidelity International proposes a comprehensive action plan to address it.

**The Longevity Revolution Is Here** For the first time in history, the elderly population is growing faster than the youngest demographic. Fidelity’s report, *The Longevity Revolution: Embracing the New Reality*, projects that by 2050, nearly 22% of the global population (2.1 billion people) will be over 60, including 426 million aged 80+.

Meanwhile, biological age is diverging from chronological age. IMF data shows that a 70-year-old in 2022 has the cognitive ability of a 53-year-old and the physical capacity of a 56-year-old two decades ago.

The report highlights that the traditional linear life model (education-work-retirement) is dissolving, replaced by multi-stage lives where individuals transition repeatedly between education, work, and retirement. With retirement potentially lasting 30+ years, a new roadmap is urgently needed.

Fidelity’s survey of 11,800 respondents aged 50+ across 13 markets reveals a significant global retirement preparedness gap. Comparing expected savings duration with local life expectancy, 42% globally underestimate retirement needs by a decade or more. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region fares better, with lower shortfall rates.

"While APAC appears more prepared, many still follow their parents’ retirement models," said Sun Chen, General Manager of Fidelity Funds (China). "This mismatch between lifespan and savings planning may leave many underprepared. Early, innovative planning can turn longevity into a gift, not a burden."

**Financial Stability as the Cornerstone** Longevity preparedness rests on four interconnected pillars: financial stability, physical health, emotional well-being, and social connectivity. Fidelity’s research underscores their interdependence.

Financial stability underpins the other three. When secure, health, well-being, and social ties thrive; when unstable, the entire structure weakens. Among pre-retirees with plans, 83% feel physically/emotionally prepared, 79% socially, and 78% financially.

Globally, 25% of those 50+ worry about finances or outliving savings, while over a third have no retirement plan. APAC pre-retirees are more proactive. Only 18% globally understand effective investing, though awareness is higher in Australia (73%) and mainland China (68%).

APAC’s top financial concerns include rising healthcare costs, unexpected expenses, inflation, and insufficient savings. Despite greater openness to new investments, cash (76%) dominates holdings, followed by stocks (33%) and bonds (20%).

"APAC’s cash preference calls for adjusted strategies," noted Sun Chen. "Diversifying portfolios and leveraging compounding—via dividend reinvestment and broader investments—is critical for longer retirements."

**Five Steps to Transform Longevity Risk into Opportunity** Fidelity outlines a five-part action plan:

1. **Address Financial Anxiety Early**: Proactive planning reduces uncertainty. Early financial education empowers informed choices and resilience. Time—especially compounding time—is retirement wealth’s strongest driver.

2. **Leverage Technology**: Digital platforms, AI tools, and personalized guidance simplify scenario modeling and confident decision-making, bridging financial literacy gaps.

3. **Prioritize Health and Care**: Vital for well-being and autonomy. Elderly care costs remain a blind spot, consuming over half of income in 16 OECD countries.

4. **Rebuild Trust in Systems**: Transparent communication, reliable products, and accessible guidance foster trust. Predictable pension policies are crucial.

5. **Support Holistic Well-being**: Timely interventions across all four pillars enable longer, healthier, more connected lives.

"Longevity isn’t a challenge to fear," the report asserts. "Its紅利 (dividends) can be realized through innovation in policy, business, healthcare, and finance."

Most approach retirement without fear—56% of pre-retirees and 68% of retirees feel optimistic. As lifespans grow, envisioning multi-generational coexistence becomes commonplace.

"Longevity isn’t just a statistic," concludes the report. "It’s an opportunity to live better, fuller retirements."

Sun Chen adds, "By addressing longevity trends, institutions and policymakers can foster financial security, personal fulfillment, and a thriving, cohesive society."

Longer lives invite us to rethink: How to enrich our later years, and what kind of society we wish to build. Longevity isn’t merely a risk to manage—it’s a revolution to embrace.