Story from the Field: Aimee DeCamillo

How did longevity become a central lens for Manulife/John Hancock? What observations, gaps, and/or opportunities influenced this direction?

Longevity isn’t just a trend we’re watching. It’s at the very core of what we do at Manulife. People are living longer, but the path to living well in those extra years is far from guaranteed. John Hancock’s Longevity Preparedness Index (LPI), developed with the MIT AgeLab, and our Financial Resilience and Longevity Survey, conducted in multiple markets, both highlight a growing gap globally between how long people live and how well they’re able to thrive, especially when it comes to health, care, and financial security.

Our job is to help make sure retirement is not only longer but also better. That’s why we launched the Longevity Institute as a cornerstone of our enterprise strategy. Backed by a $350 million CAD commitment through 2030, we’re investing in thought leadership, research, innovation, advocacy, and community partnerships because we believe longevity should be a source of optimism, not anxiety. For us, longevity is about bringing people the tools and information to find purpose, security, and well-being at every stage of their lives.

We talk a lot about improving longevity readiness to help close the gap between lifespan and healthspan. Please share an example of an innovative program you are implementing, or plan to implement, that focuses on improving your clients’ healthspan.

The LPI opened our eyes to the reality that most Americans are underprepared for longer lives, especially in areas such as care, health, and home. The findings made it clear: Longevity readiness is about much more than finances. It’s about the full picture—health, social connection, daily activities, and the transitions we all navigate. 

We saw an opportunity to take what we were learning and turn it into something people could use. We launched a personalized longevity preparedness tool that translates the rigor of the LPI into something individuals can use directly. By simply answering a few questions, people receive an overall score and individual scores across eight domains, along with actionable insights that help them see both strengths and gaps. The goal is to spark reflection and meaningful conversations, whether with family, financial professionals, or within their communities.

We’ve also expanded access for our retirement plan participants and wealth clients in North America to health and well-being resources, like discounted early-detection cancer screening, fitness technology, and trusted nutrition guidance. These offerings are designed to help people take small, practical steps toward a longer, healthier, better life. 

 

How are the findings from the Milken Institute Future of Aging report, Longevity Ready: A Systems Approach to Aging Well at Home, shaping how you approach improving longevity readiness? 

The report crystallized something I strongly believe: The financial dimension of longevity readiness is only one part of a much broader picture. As a participant in the research process, I joined a roundtable where that broader context came to life. Hearing from health service providers and housing specialists underscored how often people reach these systems late—already in crisis and without a plan. That is exactly the kind of outcome financial services should help people avoid, yet we are not always closely connected to those who see these realities most directly.

What stood out was a more grounded view of where financial services fit within the broader ecosystem of aging well. Listening to aging services leaders, government representatives, and agetech innovators helped clarify both where our sector can contribute and where we need to think earlier and more holistically about the role we can play in people’s lives.

What advice would you give to colleagues working in the private sector to help people become "longevity ready"? Where should they start?

One piece of advice to colleagues in the private sector is to broaden your definition of “retirement readiness.” Longevity is changing everything, from how we plan for the future to how we support people at every stage of life. 

Start by listening—really listening—to the needs and aspirations of your clients, employees, and communities. Move beyond financial planning to include health, well-being, and purpose. Use tools like the LPI and personalized assessment tool to inspire meaningful conversations that account for a more fulsome view of longevity preparedness and help people see where they’re prepared and where there might be gaps. 

Above all, remember that small steps matter. Whether it’s encouraging people to build social connections, plan for care, or take action on their health, every effort helps.