The number of years workers expect to live in retirement are largely driven by their expected lifespans. Among Gen Y, which surpassed Baby Boomers as the nation's largest living adult generation, 39% expect to live to age 90 or older (compared to 31% of Gen Z and 30% of Gen X). However, the study found that workers who expect to live longer don't intend to work much longer. In general, expected retirement age increases by only one month with every one-year increase in expected lifespan. 

The study also found that individuals who expect shorter lifespans and, in turn, shorter retirements because they underestimate general population life expectancy, are at risk of not saving enough since their planning horizon is too short.

"For so many people, understanding how long they can potentially live during retirement is among the biggest barriers to attaining retirement security," said Kourtney Gibson, CEO of Retirement Solutions, TIAA. "Workers need to think about how to maximize savings during working years, especially younger generations who can greatly benefit from the power of compounding interest and how an annuity can secure a potentially long life." 

Thirty-five percent of adults underestimate how long a typical 65-year-old will live, while another 24% admit they simply don't know. (The answer is age 84 for men and 87 for women). More than four in 10 could not correctly answer a single question (out of three) about general life expectancy at age 65. 

"The findings in this report underscore a critical issue – many Americans are approaching retirement planning with limited knowledge of how long they are likely to live," said Annamaria Lusardi, an economist from Stanford University and Academic Director of GFLEC. "By improving individuals' longevity and financial literacy, we can truly enable and promote financial security and well-being throughout retirement."

The study is based on data from the 2024 TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index) which surveyed 3,800+ individuals across different socioeconomic, racial, and age profiles.

"The gap between Americans' poor longevity literacy and their retirement preparedness demands urgent attention. Providing financial education and planning, alongside access to lifetime income solutions is essential to helping people create the secure financial futures they deserve," said Surya Kolluri, Head of TIAA Institute.

Longevity Literacy—an understanding of how long individuals tend to live upon reaching retirement age—is both a challenge and opportunity to enhance the length and quality of lives and ensure retirees have sufficient resources for longer lifespans. The full report can be found here.