Manulife today announced the launch of the Longevity Institute, a global platform aimed at helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. Backed by a $350 million commitment, the Institute will champion research, innovation, and partnerships that support well-being across all stages of life.
As a global leader in life insurance, asset management, and retirement planning, Manulife recognizes the widening gap between lifespan and healthspan. Many people spend up to 20 percent of their lives in poor health, while nearly 40 percent face financial insecurity as they age. The Longevity Institute seeks to close this gap by reimagining how people live, work, learn, and contribute.
“Empowering health, wealth, and longevity is central to Manulife’s bold new ambition. It aligns with our values and our commitment to the communities we operate in, and we are uniquely placed to help individuals and families navigate the growing gap between lifespan and healthspan,” said Phil Witherington, President and CEO of Manulife. “For generations now, Manulife has supported customers at every stage of life, and we see a powerful opportunity to scale our expertise and help even more people live longer, healthier, better lives. Through the Longevity Institute, we will partner with organizations that share our purpose, unlock new insights, drive innovation, and create a future where everyone can thrive—at any age.”
The Longevity Institute will focus on three main areas. First, it will ignite global research and thought leadership to understand how people can flourish as they live longer. Second, it will accelerate innovation and advocacy through initiatives promoting health, wellness, and financial readiness. Third, it will invest in community partnerships that advance knowledge, promote equity, and drive actionable outcomes around longevity.
Steve Finch, President and CEO of Manulife Asia, highlighted the regional relevance of the initiative: “With the demographic shifts in Asia, where one in four people will be over the age of 60 by 2050, it’s crucial to rethink traditional approaches to financial planning, health care, and workforce participation. At Manulife, we are committed to driving innovation that promotes long-term financial resilience, equitable healthy aging, and lifelong fulfillment. By supporting early-stage innovations and providing comprehensive solutions, we aim to help people live better for longer and secure their financial futures.”
Manulife’s history of impact dates back to 1888, when it gifted an ambulance to the City of Toronto, marking its first act of public service to improve health and longevity. The Longevity Institute continues this legacy through several initiatives:
- Partnership with the National Institute on Ageing: Manulife supports the Ageing in Canada Survey, conducted with Toronto Metropolitan University. The survey explores the experiences of Canadians aged 50 and older to inform policies that promote healthy aging.
- Partnership with the Milken Institute: Manulife advances research and thought leadership on longevity and health. Feeding Change and the Future of Aging initiatives examine resilient food production, integrate nutrition into health interventions, and explore strategies for aging well at home.
- Longevity Symposiums: Manulife and John Hancock have hosted Longevity Symposiums in Boston, Singapore, and the Philippines, bringing together healthcare experts, industry leaders, financial consultants, and customers to explore ways to live longer and better. John Hancock will host its third Longer. Healthier. Better. Longevity Symposium in the U.S. in April 2026.
- Longevity Preparedness Index: Developed with MIT AgeLab, this index measures how prepared U.S. adults are to thrive as they age. It will expand to Canada in future years, offering insights for continued innovation in longevity.
The Institute aims to improve the lives of more than 36 million customers globally through outcomes in health and wealth.
- Health: Support choices that enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being through nutrition, early detection, movement, and mental health support.
- Wealth: Provide tools, education, and support that empower people to build financial security and navigate life’s challenges.
In the United States, the platform will be known as the John Hancock Longevity Institute. More information, updates, and details on partnerships and initiatives can be found at Manulife.com/Longevity.
The launch marks a strategic commitment to advancing longevity globally, combining research, innovation, and actionable solutions to help people live healthier, more secure lives at every stage.
