Canadians score just 40 out of 100 on long-term care planning, according to Canada's first-ever Longevity Preparedness Index, released on October 27, 2026 by Manulife and the MIT AgeLab. Housing, at 53 out of 100, is another weak spot.
In other words, we are living longer, but most of us have not yet thought about where we will live or what help we will need.
An overall score of 60/100: a passing grade, nothing more
Conducted by Ipsos among 1,025 adults (with a Quebec oversample), the study measures eight dimensions of longevity preparedness, going well beyond retirement savings. The picture is mixed:
Dimension | Score out of 100 |
|---|---|
Community | 75 |
Social connections | 69 |
Finances | 66 |
Daily activities | 60 |
Life transitions | 60 |
Health | 55 |
Housing | 53 |
Care planning | 40 |
The two weakest dimensions are precisely the ones that decide whether a person can age safely and stay independent: where they will live and who will take care of them.
Long-term care planning: only 11% make it a priority
The study's most telling figure is that barely 11% of Canadians currently see long-term care and caregiving responsibilities as a priority. That number rises to 26% when they are asked what will affect their well-being later in life. We know the question is coming… but we keep putting it off.
The problem is that a loss of independence rarely arrives on our schedule. A fall, a diagnosis or caregiver burnout can force a decision within weeks, often in a rush and with fewer options. Learning to recognize the signs that an older adult needs help with daily living lets you act before a crisis.
Housing scores 53/100
Where you live has a direct impact on safety, independence and quality of life. Stairs, a bathroom that isn't adapted, a house that's too big to maintain, distance from services: these all weigh more heavily with age. The study points out that retirement planning should include thinking about the living environment you want and whether it can meet your future needs.
For many, aging in place is possible with the right home modifications. For others, the answer is better-suited seniors housing, like the options in our Complete guide to 55+ rental housing, or a retirement home offering à la carte services. And the best time to think about it is before you need it: see why it makes sense to move into a retirement residence while you're still independent.
Getting expert guidance makes a real difference
The study found that people who work with a financial advisor score 63 out of 100, compared with 57 for those who never have. When the conversation directly addresses longevity, the score climbs to 66. The authors note that this is an association rather than cause and effect, but the finding is clear: people who plan with someone are better prepared, across all eight dimensions.
What's true for finances is just as true for housing. Choosing between staying at home, a retirement residence for independent or semi-independent seniors, or a long-term care home (CHSLD) means comparing the care offered, costs, location and waiting lists.
Don't be one of the 89% putting it off
That is exactly the mission of Bonjour Résidences' team of senior housing specialists. Our advisors are here to guide you, free of charge, as you assess your current and future needs, make sense of the different levels of care and find the private seniors' residence (RPA) that best matches your expectations. Whether you are planning your own retirement or wondering what to do about a parent who is losing their independence, one simple phone call can spare you from having to decide in a rush.
Once you've made your choice, our practical guides help you through every step with peace of mind:
- Read our tips on how to prepare for a move to a seniors' residence.
- Discover our advice for moving into a retirement residence (RPA) with a cat or dog.
- Learn how to plan a leisure budget in retirement so you can fully enjoy your new community, because aging well also means having fulfilling social connections.
Contact a Bonjour Résidences housing specialist today at 1 (844) 918-1020, or submit an online accommodation request for personalized guidance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Longevity Preparedness Index?
It is an index developed by the MIT AgeLab and adapted for Canada with Manulife. It scores Canadians' preparedness out of 100 across eight dimensions: health, finances, housing, care, social connections, community, daily activities and life transitions.
What is Canadians' biggest weakness when it comes to aging?
Care planning, with a score of 40 out of 100. Only 11% of respondents see long-term care as a current priority.
When should you start looking for a retirement home?
Ideally before a loss of independence forces the decision. Planning early lets you visit, compare and choose a living environment suited to your future needs.
How do I find a retirement residence that meets my needs?
Bonjour Résidences' housing specialists offer free guidance to assess your needs and point you toward residences that meet them.
Source: Manulife and MIT AgeLab, Canada Longevity Preparedness Index, October 27, 2026 (online Ipsos survey conducted June 3–10, 2026, among 1,025 Canadian adults). Via Index Santé.
