Will Gen Z live to 100?

Will Gen Z Live to 100? The Answer Might Surprise You

As life expectancy climbs and healthcare advances, a growing number of young adults believe they’ll make it to 100. Surprisingly, 30% of Gen Z and 32% of Millennials expect to become centenarians — a more optimistic outlook than previous generations.

Compare that to just 22% of Gen X and 21% of Boomers who share the same expectation, and a clear generational shift emerges. While science continues to extend human lifespans, much of this confidence may stem from lifestyle awareness, better access to health information, and a cultural focus on wellness — all hallmarks of younger generations’ approach to life.

But living longer doesn’t mean retiring earlier — quite the opposite. Despite hoping for longer lives, Gen Z expects to retire at 60, earlier than Millennials (64), Gen X (67), and especially Boomers, who anticipate working until 72. This suggests that while young people dream of century-long lives, they also anticipate redefining what retirement means — perhaps opting for phased exits from work or multiple career chapters.

Still, expecting to live to 100 is not the same as guaranteeing it. Medical advancements, environmental factors, and socioeconomic disparities will all play a role. Yet the optimism within Gen Z reflects more than just hope; it signals a deeper belief in control over health, longevity, and personal destiny.

Whether or not they reach 100, one thing is clear: Gen Z isn’t just planning for longer lives — they’re reshaping what those lives could look like.