Living longer changes more than just your calendar — it changes the way you approach investing, spending and what “retirement” actually means. When it’s increasingly common to see 90 or even 100 candles on the birthday cake, the traditional financial playbook doesn’t quite fit.
This article explores practical ways to bring a longevity mindset to your investment planning. Each section highlights a shift in thinking, from how we structure our portfolios to where we find new ideas — and how flexibility and regular review can help keep your plan on track, whatever your goals or life stage.
Ready to see how a longer life can reshape your financial strategy? Let’s get started.
Retirement Is a launchpad, not a landing
“Retirement is a one-time event — step away at 65, play it safe and focus on preserving what you’ve saved.”
Retirement is a long phase, not a fixed finish line. With a possible 30-plus year runway, your portfolio may need to keep growing and adapting alongside your goals. Consider holding a portion in growth-oriented assets — such as global or sector ETFs, dividend stocks or balanced funds — to maintain long-term potential while managing risk. Asset allocation calculators can help you find a mix that fits an extended timeline.
Barbara, 68, sold her business and shifted some assets to dividend stocks and balanced ETFs — generating growth with a buffer for volatility. Right now, she’s traveling and volunteering, but she reviews her asset mix regularly and plans to adjust it if her focus changes — such as needing extra funds for healthcare or taking on part-time work for new income.
Asset mix — More than “Set it and forget it”
“Gradually shift everything to low-risk investments as you age — stocks out, bonds and cash in — because growth is only for the young.”
With people living longer, keeping some investments in growth assets — like stocks or equity ETFs — can make sense well into your 70s and beyond. Rather than moving everything to low-risk holdings, many investors use a combination approach — for example:
- Barbell strategy: Splitting your portfolio between very safe assets — like GICs or cash — and higher-growth assets — like stocks or ETFs — with little in the middle.
- Bucket strategy: Dividing your money into separate “buckets” for short-, medium- and long-term needs — each with its own risk level.
Many online planning tools let you try out these mixes and see how your allocation could change as your needs evolve.
Michael, 72, keeps half of his RIF in global equity ETFs, with the rest in laddered GICs, meaning his GICs mature at different times so money comes due each year, and cash. This gives him stability for the near future and growth potential for later. He reviews his mix every year and adjusts it if his plans or the financial markets shift.
Withdrawal strategies — One size no longer fits all
“The 4% rule: withdraw 4% a year, and you’re set.”
Withdrawal strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all — especially with longer lifespans and changing spending needs. It’s smart to plan for flexible withdrawals and different spending phases. Online withdrawal calculators can help you model how your income needs may change over time, such as spending more early in retirement and less later, or adding new income sources along the way.
A couple in their late 60s uses a bucket strategy:
- Bucket 1: Cash for the next 3 years
- Bucket 2: Conservative bonds and ETFs for years 4 through 10
- Bucket 3: Growth assets for 10-plus years out
They review and adjust their plan each year, moving money forward as their needs shift.
Learning and adapting — At any age
“What’s the point of learning new investing strategies after 60?”
Longer lives mean more time to keep learning and adapting as an investor. You can find new investing ideas through financial news sites or by checking out the tools and research offered through your self-directed investing account. Tools like ETF screeners, model portfolios and portfolio simulators let you safely research or test new strategies before making bigger changes.
Anne, 75, got curious about covered call ETFs and gradually built a small position after reading up on the risks and rewards. She treats a small portion of her portfolio as a “sandbox” — a space to learn, try new ideas and adjust her approach as needed.
Finding investing ideas in your own life
Investing means picking stocks or funds from a distance, relying on an advisor or the media for ideas or suggestions.
Your own life can be a source of valuable investing ideas. As you notice changes in how people live, work, travel, socialize and care for themselves, you gain insight into trends shaping the future — and the companies positioned to benefit. Think about the new services, products or technologies you and your peers are using or wishing for. There may be investment opportunities tied to these changes — whether it’s a REIT specializing in senior living, an ETF focused on wellness or healthcare innovation or companies creating new solutions for older adults.
After downsizing, Jean and her partner noticed growing demand for modern retirement communities and new healthcare options. They invested in a mix of REITs focused on long-term care and companies advancing health technology — turning their lived experience into a portion of their investment portfolio.
Planning for flexibility and the unexpected
Plan for what’s predictable — retiring and taking things easier.
Longer lives can mean more opportunities — and more surprises. It’s smart to keep part of your portfolio liquid and easy to access, so you’re prepared for new ventures, unexpected expenses or even a second act. High-interest savings accounts, money market funds and cashable GICs can give you that flexibility. Review your plan regularly and adjust your approach as your needs, interests or circumstances change.
Sam, 65, keeps a portion of his investment account in cash and short-term GICs. He’s ready for travel, supporting family, or taking on a new project — without having to sell longer-term investments at the wrong time.
Living longer changes the way we think about money, risk and opportunity. The old retirement playbook — save, shift to safety and slow down — doesn’t fit a world where your next chapter could last 30 years or more.
Instead, use the investing tools and insights you already have, plus the experience of your own life, to build a plan that’s flexible and forward-looking.
- Use asset allocation tools, withdrawal calculators and online planning resources to model different futures, not just one.
- Stay engaged with what’s changing in your world — your daily experience can be a source of new investing ideas.
- Review your plan regularly and adjust as your needs and the world shift.
The best part of a longer life? More time to keep learning, adapting and investing on your own terms.
Want to see how real-world trends are reshaping investment opportunities for a longer life? Check out the next article in this series, Longevity investing: Sectors and trends you can’t ignore
