A 40-year retirement takes better planning
Retiree revelations, generational insight, and trends to help guide today’s workforce from Manulife’s annual survey. The report builds on our commitment to longevity preparedness and launch of the Longevity Institute, a global platform helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
View our global comparisons
What workers and retirees are saying
We asked, and Canadian workers and retirees responded candidly about their financial situations and their ability to fund and enjoy longer lives.
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“Don’t get caught up in the same story we all tend to tell ourselves: I have time.” —Retiree, age 77
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It came earlier than I thought it would—you can’t always bank on things going according to plan.” —Retiree, age 64
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“I want to be able to take vacations and see the world with my partner.” —Gen Zer, age 20
The challenges they’re facing
Understanding member experiences and where each generation is on their financial journey allows you to provide more effective support, tailored to their unique needs.
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59
is the average retirement age in Canada
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48%
are behind schedule on retirement savings
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59%
of millennials say their employer influences their financial decisions
Prepare workers to hit the big 100 and beyond
Dive deeper into our findings to help you create aha moments that inspire today’s multigenerational workforce to save today for a potential 40-year retirement.
How can we make a longer retirement better?
Longevity is about balancing health and wealth to help make those extra years better. The implications are shifting the way we think about retirement.
This year’s online survey was conducted in English and French, and comprised of two participant samples sourced through Angus Reid’s research panel: Canadian employees and Canadian retirees. The Canadian employee sample comprised of 1,680 Canadians, aged 18 and up, employed, and contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. The survey for this sample was conducted from May 1, 2025, to May 16, 2025, with an average survey length of approximately 19 minutes per respondent. The Canadian retiree sample comprised of 514 retired Canadians. The survey for this sample was conducted from May 1, 2025, to May 16, 2025, with an average survey length of approximately 19 minutes per respondent. All statistical testing is done at 0.95 significance levels. Percentages in the tables and charts may not total 100 due to rounding and/or categories not included. The 2025 financial resilience and longevity survey was commissioned by Manulife and Manulife John Hancock Retirement and conducted by Edelman DXI. Manulife is not affiliated with Edelman DXI and neither is responsible for the liabilities of the other. The commentary in this publication is for general information only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice to any party. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals to ensure that any action taken with respect to this information is appropriate to their specific situation.