Longevity Isn’t Luck—It’s a Lifestyle

As a financial advisor, I spend a lot of time helping clients plan for a retirement that could last 20, 30— even 40—years. But here’s the question: What good is a long life if it’s not a healthy one? We’re used to planning for “retirement income longevity,” but a deeper, richer conversation emerges when we shift the lens to something even more valuable: healthspan—the quality of life during those extra years.

That’s why I’ve been captivated by a new book: Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, by cardiologist and researcher Dr. Eric Topol. It builds on the groundbreaking “Wellderly Study” conducted by the Scripps Research Translational Institute—a project that tracked more than 1,400 individuals aged 80+ who had managed to avoid major chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. These people weren’t just living longer. They were thriving.

As someone who works closely with retirees, widows, and individuals in major life transitions, I believe understanding the why behind healthy aging is just as important as managing your nest egg. And what Topol and the research team discovered may surprise you—and may even change the way you think about the future.

The Wellderly Surprise: Genetics Aren’t the Whole Story

When the Wellderly study began, researchers assumed genetics played a major role in exceptional health in older age. After all, how else could someone reach 85 with no major health issues?

But after sequencing the DNA of these vibrant elders, the team found something stunning: their genetic makeup wasn’t significantly different from the general population. In other words, they weren’t genetically special. Instead, what set them apart were behavioral and lifestyle factors: they were more physically active, more socially connected, and—this is key—more educated.

This last point is critical and too often overlooked. Education isn’t just about degrees. It reflects access, mindset, and lifelong curiosity—all traits that support better decision-making, including in areas like nutrition, exercise, social engagement, and yes, financial planning.

For my clients, this is incredibly empowering. It means longevity is not something you’re either blessed with or not. It’s something you can influence.

Five Evidence-Based Keys to a Longer, Healthier Life

Dr. Topol’s book goes well beyond summarizing research—it translates the findings into practical, actionable guidance. Here are five key areas he outlines that align beautifully with the strategies I encourage in financial life planning.

1. Strength Training Is a Game-Changer

While we all know exercise is important, strength training stands out. One meta-analysis cited in Super Agers showed that just an hour a week of resistance training lowered mortality risk by 25%. That’s huge.

What does this mean financially? If you’re planning to enjoy travel, volunteering, or time with grandchildren, maintaining physical strength isn’t just a health goal—it’s an investment in your independence. It’s also likely to reduce long-term healthcare costs, a growing concern for retirees.

2. Sleep Like Your Future Depends On It (Because It Does)

Topol makes the case that sleep is one of the most undervalued tools for preventing disease. Deep sleep, in particular, is associated with lower risk of dementia and better immune function.

Interestingly, he didn’t rely on medications or gimmicks to improve his own deep sleep—just consistent sleep timing and routine. This echoes a broader theme of the book: health isn’t about hacks; it’s about habits.

In financial planning, we talk a lot about the power of compounding. Sleep, like savings, compounds its benefits over time. Small improvements now yield powerful outcomes later.

3. Mental Health Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline

Chronic stress, isolation, and depression are not only emotionally painful—they’re physically damaging. Dr. Topol shares research showing that time in nature, consistent social engagement, and even light volunteering can significantly reduce blood pressure, cortisol levels, and disease risk.

Here’s a practical application: if you’ve lost a spouse, changed careers, or moved to a new city, rebuilding your social and emotional support systems isn’t just “self-care”—it’s healthcare.

And it has financial implications, too. Studies show that people with stronger social ties are less likely to suffer cognitive decline, which in turn supports better decision-making and financial independence in later years.

4. Beware of Snake Oil—And the “Longevity Industry”

Topol doesn’t hold back in his critique of the booming market for anti-aging supplements and “biohacks.” Many of these therapies haven’t been properly studied in clinical trials, and some could even be harmful.

Instead, Super Agers urges readers to stay grounded in evidence. Topol is cautiously optimistic about the future of biological age tests and organ-level biomarkers—but he warns that most current products are overpriced, under-tested, and of little real-world value unless you’re also making lifestyle changes.

In my practice, I always caution clients to view health (and wealth) decisions through a lens of credibility. If someone’s selling a “miracle” shortcut, it’s usually not worth your time—or your money.

5. Education Is the Silent Superpower

This might be the most important takeaway from both the Wellderly study and Topol’s book: the most consistent trait among the healthy 80+ crowd was higher education levels.

Why does this matter? Because education builds more than knowledge—it builds self-agency. People who are more educated are more likely to engage in preventive care, adopt healthy habits, and stay cognitively active into old age.

For those of us advising others, this is a call to arms. Whether you’re helping your children plan for college or continuing your own lifelong learning through reading, civic engagement, or professional development, you are investing in your future health.

From Wealth to Wellness: Why This Matters in Financial Planning

When I sit down with clients to plan their retirement, I’m not just running projections. I’m helping them imagine a life that’s worth living—one filled with purpose, vitality, and freedom. You can learn more about this in this article, Why True Readiness for Retirement Goes Beyond Quitting Work — Client First Capital.

What Super Agers reminds us is that this future is more accessible than we think. While we can’t control every health outcome, we can control our habits. And those habits—movement, sleep, connection, learning—are the same ones that support not just longevity, but quality of life.

When planning your retirement, be sure to also ask: What are you doing to protect your healthspan? Because if you’re going to live to 90, let’s make sure those years are vibrant, not just long.

Here’s to living well—and planning wisely.