Planning for a 100-Year Life: How to Build Wealth and Stay Healthy Along the Way

A 100-year life might have seemed impossible a generation ago, but today it’s well within reach. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the number of Americans living past 100 will soar from about 101,000 in 2024 to more than 422,000 by 2054.

Advances in medicine, better nutrition, and healthier lifestyles mean people aren’t just living longer, they’re also staying active, sharp, and engaged well into their 80s and 90s. But living to 100 isn’t something that happens by accident. It takes planning and intention.

Instead of aiming to “just make it to retirement,” it’s becoming increasingly important to prepare for the possibility of a 30- or even 40-year retirement. With the right financial strategies and healthy habits, you can not only extend your years but also ensure those years are vibrant, meaningful, and well-supported.

Rethinking the Timeline

For years, we imagined life as a straight path: go to school, work for 40 years, then retire. But a 100-year life rarely fits that model.

Living longer often means shifting careers, taking breaks, or reinventing yourself more than once. And to truly thrive, you’ll need more than just money in the bank. You’ll also need the energy, health, and resilience to carry you through each stage.

That’s why financial planning for longevity isn’t about racing to a single finish line. It’s about building flexibility to support many chapters, whether that’s launching a second career, pausing to focus on your well-being, or staying active and engaged well into your later years.

A century of living comes with many seasons, and planning for both wealth and wellness ensures you can make the most of each one.

Building Wealth to Support a 100-Year Life

One of the biggest challenges of a longer life is making your money last as long as you do. In most cases, a retirement that stretches three or even four decades requires a different strategy than one that lasts 15 or 20 years.

The goal isn’t just to save; it’s to build a financial strategy that can grow, adapt, and support you through every stage of a longer life. Here are a few essential ways to build lasting wealth for a 100-year life:

• Invest with the long game in mind. Growth-focused investments like stocks, mutual funds, and real estate help your money keep up with inflation and expand your options later in life. Playing it too safe for too long can actually cost you. Your money loses value over time, limiting the choices you’ll have down the road.
• Create multiple income streams. Relying on a single income source generally isn’t enough for a retirement that could last decades. By saving across different accounts—for instance, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and taxable investments—you give yourself flexibility in how and when you draw income.
• Plan for taxes early. A longer retirement means more years of taxable income. Strategies like Roth conversions, smart withdrawal sequencing, and balancing taxable with tax-free accounts can help you keep more of your money over the long run.
• Protect against outliving your money. Certain financial strategies can create a steady, guaranteed paycheck for life. Think of it as your financial safety net, designed to kick in if you live longer than expected.

Why Health Is Your Greatest Asset

Money plays an important role in building a 100-year life, but it can’t replace your health once it’s gone. A longer life is most rewarding when it’s also a healthy one.

Research shows that genetics influence only about 20% of how long we live, while the choices we make every day, like how we eat, move, rest, and manage stress, shape the rest. That means the choices you make today lay the foundation for how energetic, independent, and enjoyable your later years can be.

Here are a few practical ways to start investing in your long-term health:

• Keep your body moving. Daily activity, whether it’s walking, swimming, strength training, or even gardening, helps you stay strong, reduce the risk of illness, and maintain your independence as you age. Think of movement as a long-term investment: the effort you put in today can pay off with greater mobility, freedom, and energy in the years to come.
• Fuel yourself well. A diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay energized now and lowers the risk of chronic health issues later. Every balanced meal is a small step toward protecting your future self.
• Prioritize rest and recovery. Quality sleep and stress management are just as important as diet and exercise. Rest allows your body and mind to reset, recharge, and stay resilient, so you can handle the demands of both today and tomorrow.
• Stay connected. Strong relationships with family, friends, and your community are linked to longer, happier lives. Connection helps keep your mind sharp, your outlook positive, and your support system strong when you need it most.

Planning for the Big “What Ifs” in a 100-Year Life

Even with healthy habits and the best intentions, a longer life brings its share of uncertainties, especially when it comes to healthcare and long-term care. According to LongTermCare.gov, nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime.

These costs can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. In 2024, for example, the national median price for a private room in a nursing home topped $10,000 per month, a figure that can quickly drain even well-built savings.

The good news is that with thoughtful planning, you can protect your resources while still ensuring you receive the care you need. Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Explore long-term care insurance. Buying coverage in your 50s or early 60s can help shield your savings from the high costs of care later in life. Long-term care insurance isn’t the right fit for everyone, but exploring your options with a financial professional can help you decide if it makes sense for your situation.
• Consider hybrid policies. Some life insurance and annuity products now include long-term care benefits. If you never need extended care, your money still provides value by supporting your loved ones or supplementing your retirement.
• Build a healthcare savings cushion. Accounts like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow you to set aside money tax-free for qualified medical expenses, giving you more flexibility when healthcare costs inevitably rise.
• Stay proactive with your health. Preventive care such as regular screenings, annual checkups, and healthy daily habits can help reduce the likelihood of needing long-term care or shorten the time you’ll need it. Investing in your health today is one of the best ways to protect both your independence and your finances.

Steps You Can Take Today for a Longer, Healthier Life

Planning for a 100-year life doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through small, consistent actions that add up over time.

Here are a few simple steps you can take now to set yourself up for both financial stability and lasting well-being:

• Plan for longevity. Partner with a financial planner to model your retirement as if you’ll live to age 95 or 100. Building in that cushion gives you confidence that your money will last and reduces the risk of outliving your savings.
• Boost your savings rate. Even a small increase, just 1–2% more toward your retirement accounts, can create meaningful flexibility and freedom for your future self.
• Adopt one new healthy habit. Start simple: add a daily walk, improve your sleep routine, or cook more meals at home. Small, consistent choices compound over time, just like interest.
• Check your safeguards. Review your insurance coverage for gaps in areas like health, disability, and long-term care so you’re prepared for life’s “what ifs.”
• Keep your documents current. Update wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney so your wishes are clear, and your loved ones are protected from uncertainty.

Wealth and Wellness: Living a 100-Year Life on Your Terms

Money and health don’t travel on separate paths. Rather, they shape and influence each other at every stage of life. When you plan for both, you create a positive cycle that supports not just longevity, but a life that feels full and rewarding.

Financial stability gives you access to quality care, lowers stress, and opens doors to more opportunities. Meanwhile, good health allows you to enjoy your wealth, stay active longer, and continue working or pursuing passions if you choose. The strongest 100-year plans recognize this connection and treat wealth and wellness as equal priorities—two investments that work hand in hand to create a life filled with energy, freedom, and meaning.

At SageMint Wealth, we believe a truly rich life isn’t just measured by your portfolio, it’s about caring for your whole self. Our mission is to help you build confidence, ease financial stress, and align your money with the life you envision.

If you’re ready to design a future that feels abundant in every sense of the word, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today to take your next step forward.