Definition
Longevity Risk refers to the financial risk that an individual will live longer than expected and outlive their retirement savings. While increased life expectancy is a positive outcome, it poses a challenge for both individuals and institutions (like pension funds and insurers) in ensuring that income and resources last for the entire lifetime.
This risk becomes especially significant in defined contribution retirement systems, where there is no guaranteed lifetime income. For governments and insurers, longevity risk also affects actuarial assumptions and payout liabilities under pension and annuity schemes.
Case Study
Kamal, a 63-year-old retired teacher from Jaipur, faces longevity risk — the possibility of outliving his savings. He has a retirement corpus of ₹70,00,000, which he expected would last for 20 years. However, with improving life expectancy and rising medical costs, he realizes that his savings may not be enough if he lives beyond 85. To manage this risk, he decides to buy an immediate annuity plan that provides a fixed pension of ₹35,000 per month for life, regardless of how long he lives. He also keeps a portion of his funds invested in debt mutual funds for liquidity and emergencies. By combining guaranteed income with some flexibility, Kamal ensures that even if he lives into his 90s, his essential expenses are covered. This approach protects him from depleting his savings too early and highlights why managing longevity risk is an important part of retirement planning in India today.
Historical Reference
- Global Shift (1950s–Present): Rapid improvements in healthcare increased global life expectancy, transforming retirement planning assumptions
- India (Post-2000): With average life expectancy rising past 70+, longevity risk became a significant factor in financial planning
- Policy Impact: Insurers began designing lifetime annuity products and longevity swaps; pension regulators incorporated mortality tables with higher age expectations
- Recent Trends: Robo-advisors and retirement platforms now include longevity risk simulations to help investors plan for 90–100-year lifespans