If You Live to 100, You'll Need More Than Money

This New York Times article has advice for those planning to live past 100: If You Live to 100, You'll Need More Than Money. Excerpt:

An enlightened attitude and deliberate mental, social and physical activity during retirement also matter. That means continuing to learn new things, staying involved in the community and working to some degree.

Activity is critically important, said Mitch Anthony, a consultant in Rochester, Minn., and author of "Life Centered Financial Planning." Mr. Anthony, who trains financial planners in life planning, has found that people who embrace what he calls a "new retirementality" do best when they remain socially and mentally vibrant.

In developing a core life-planning philosophy, he said, you will have to ponder answers to three questions: "What do you want out of life, what gives you joy, and how do you pay for it?"

Purpose and meaning throughout life are important, many researchers agree, although it's hard to pin down on how they improve longevity. One study, published in 2013, suggests that these factors may offer a mental and possibly physical breakwater for life's many travails.

"Having purpose in life may motivate reframing stressful situations to deal with them more productively, thereby facilitating recovery from stress and trauma," the researchers found...

Living a long life still requires a solid nest egg and the ability to withstand any number of financial and other shocks. The financial piece is aided by countless online tools and professionals. Online calculators can help you estimate your retirement income and tweak your portfolio to adjust risk or improve returns. Working with a fee-only certified financial planner (who doesn't work on commission) can also help you create a plan.

For now, [Adam] Hoyt and [Dani] Rizzo are following the longevity planning script. "We see ourselves maintaining strong connections with our community, friends, and family, laughing every day," Ms. Rizzo said. "Not 'acting our age,' trying new experiences, big and small – and always learning."