It’s never too soon to protect your future

When it comes to writing a will, age is simply a number.

When we launched Life100+, our research set out to inspire important conversations about how we can better prepare – financially, emotionally and practically – for longevity. Our ongoing goal is to help families, individuals and professionals navigate the realities of a longer later life.

We’ve learnt that planning isn’t just about the distant future. Instead, it’s also about taking control in the present to protect your loved ones. This means facing difficult decisions and making informed choices that will have a beneficial impact down the line.

This Free Wills Month is the perfect reminder that it’s never too soon to write a will.

Writing a will is so much more than a dry legal task. It’s an opportunity to ensure your wishes are clear and that your loved ones will be looked after, no matter what your age is right now.

Providing security and certainty

Encouragingly, we’ve seen firsthand how Life100+ has inspired action. So, we’d like to share a real-life story with you about a young father who, after reading our first report, decided to take the time to ensure that those closest to him would have security and certainty should tragedy strike.

“Whilst I’m at the relative other end of the longevity spectrum as a new father and husband, I need to ensure that if the worst was to ever happen to me or my wife, that my son would go to a loving and supportive home and would be taken care of financially.

“This prompted us to finally get around to making a will.

“Having discussed this with my family and friends, this conversation sparked action across this group, who have similarly felt the need to review their wills, ensure Power of Attorneys are in place, and seek financial advice or guidance where necessary.

“It’s amazing what one conversation can spark, and we all feel much better now knowing that we have considered and planned ahead for any future eventualities*.”

Learn more about Free Wills Month

How Life100+ is helping support conversations

To support you in writing a will, here are a few of the significant themes that surfaced in our research.

The power of conversation

Discussing end-of-life wishes with families might feel daunting, but Life100+ shows that those who do so feel more in control than those who don’t.

In other words, our sense of control over our lives is increased when we’ve discussed our future with our loved ones. But why is this important?

The power of control

We know that 90% of people who feel a sense of control also feel satisfied with their life. There’s a clear correlation between control and satisfaction, and life satisfaction is essential to attaining quality of life.

The power of advice

There’s more. 58% of those who use an independent financial adviser (IFA) feel in control, and a whopping 75% of those who use an IFA feel satisfied with life. Life100+ has taught us how seeking professional advice not only increases control, but also supports life satisfaction.

When thinking about your end-of-life wishes, considering professional advice could not only help you but your loved ones too.