Tom Selby: Longevity's implications for retirement investing

Patterns across society

clock • 4 min read

In the wake of former government health adviser Sir Michael Marmot's surprise revelation of the recent flattening-out in longevity improvements, Tom Selby considers the implications for retirement investing

Retirement remains an unsolved puzzle for policymakers around the world. In the UK, for example, a system where most people annuitised has been unceremoniously ditched in favour of pension freedom and choice. In Australia, by contrast, the government is moving in precisely the opposite direction, attempting to encourage the development of a guaranteed income market - ironically, partly because people are spending too little in retirement (a phenomenon known as ‘reckless conservatism'). While there might be debate over the best way to build a decent retirement pot and withdraw it susta...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Retirement

Defensive income before retirement: A four layered framework

Defensive income before retirement: A four layered framework

Entering decumulation can be an unsettling time for clients

Joe Simpson
clock 10 August 2026 • 4 min read
The FCA's decumulation challenge: Can UK REITs help deliver sustainable retirement income?

The FCA's decumulation challenge: Can UK REITs help deliver sustainable retirement income?

A look at the three Ss of retirement income

James Peel
clock 04 August 2026 • 7 min read
What the decumulation shift means for advice firms, and how the best are responding

What the decumulation shift means for advice firms, and how the best are responding

'Technology is part of this picture in ways that are worth being honest about'

Andy Zanelli
clock 14 July 2026 • 4 min read