As life expectancy rises and retirement horizons extend, the traditional life model of learn, work and retire is no longer fit for purpose. RBC Wealth Management has commissioned a survey to shed light on the opportunities and challenges facing clients whose lives could extend to 100 years and beyond.

New research by RBC Wealth Management shows that planning for later life extends beyond financial considerations, with purpose, health and wealth seen to be closely interconnected. The survey reveals that respondents are optimistic that their best years are ahead, but they lack the confidence to plan for the future.

More than half (57 per cent) of respondents said that having a clear sense of purpose motivates them to stay financially disciplined, while 53 per cent agree that it gives them the drive to take care of both their health and finances.

RBC Wealth Management partnered with YouGov on a survey of 5,672 UK adults aged 45 to 75 with more than £2,000 ($2,676) in investable assets, with a boost of 625 UK adults with £750,000+ in investable assets. Carried out between 7 May and 1 June 2026, it aimed to gain a better understanding of the ambitions and personal goals of individuals who are planning for, entering or living through what can be seen as the “third quarter” of life (Q3) – the phase between later working life and retirement.

The survey reveals a strong sense of optimism among the Q3 generation, with 72 per cent saying they feel younger than their actual age. While respondents are aged 60 on average, they see themselves as closer to 51 – nearly a decade younger – reflecting a broader shift in how people view later life. This younger self-perception is positive but could also, alongside other factors, create a psychological barrier to planning ahead, RBC WM said. This is especially important as more than one in 10 of those surveyed think it is likely that they will live to 100 years old; these potentially longer retirements will require careful planning. Many believe that their best years are still ahead of them, with their priorities reflecting a desire to make the most of what lies ahead and embrace opportunities to pursue new experiences.

Such surveys are ways that banks and wealth managers can grasp the kind of concerns and hopes of a particular cohort of their clients, helping to better shape advisory offerings.

For many responsents to the firm's survey, financial confidence is a foundation for living well, with 63 per cent of respondents saying it gives them the freedom to lead healthier, more meaningful lives. Despite this, 18 per cent have not set aside time in the last 12 months to consider their finances. This finding is split between those who do not actively think about their finances (8 per cent) and those who feel that their plans are already set and do not need reviewing (10 per cent).

As aspirations evolve, RBC Wealth Management’s research highlights several barriers that may prevent people from embracing new opportunities in Q3. A quarter of respondents cite confidence and emotional barriers while more than one in five believe they have left it too late to start something new. Twenty four per cent of respondents said they feel stuck in their current routines or habits

“People need to start planning for their third quarter in this way, and they shouldn’t wait for a big life moment or trigger event to start. While uncertainty about the future can make long-term planning feel daunting, this should not discourage people from taking the first step,” Michelle Holgate, director, wealth manager, RBC Brewin Dolphin, said. “Building a plan early gives you a foundation that can grow and adapt as your circumstances and goals evolve, helping you create a more fulfilling future.”

The survey also shows that women are more determined to make the most of later life than men, yet less confident about the financial planning needed to support their goals. More than half (55 per cent) believe this stage of life can be empowering, compared with 44 per cent of men, while 52 per cent see it as full of possibility, versus 46 per cent of men.

More than four in five of respondents (83 per cent) also said they have experienced an event that prompted them to reassess what matters most, whether in relation to their health, finances or sense of purpose. Health scares or a change in health are the most common catalyst for change, cited by 41 per cent of respondents.