2050 seems like a long time away, but 2019 seemed far away in 1989. Back then, did you think a cell phone would fit into your pocket? Or that you could shout at Alexa to order you more paper towels without getting off the couch? Technology has transformed the way that we live over the last 30 years, and there’s no telling how it will change life by 2050. Here are some predictions for what your retirement in 2050 could look like.
By 2050 there will likely be 9 billion people on earth, and the majority will live in cities. Our cities may not look like a science-fiction fantasy, but virtual and augmented reality will transform the way we get information and interact with our surroundings. The augmented reality market is expected to reach $55 billion by 2021 and there is increasing demand for augmented reality in healthcare, construction, retail, and e-commerce. For example, augmented reality will help engineers and architects see what a building project would look like before it’s built and make alterations to the plans ahead of time. This will mean our cities can be built faster and better.
The population will have a higher average age due to increased lifespans. Scientists predict that on average, women will live to be 89 to 94 and men will live to be 83 to 86 by 2050. Expert foodies are hopeful that there will be less factory farms and more small and regional producers. If this is the case, it will be easier for people to eat fresh, local food instead of processed food. This could not only contribute to your happiness, but your health as well. A longer life is a gift, but one you must plan for: Think about if your nest egg will support you in the year 2050 and beyond. An evolving retirement plan could be necessary if your retirement is going to last 30 plus years.
The healthcare industry may also focus more on individual health in relation to happiness, and general wellness. There are already breakthroughs in the fields of gene therapy and personalized medicine. Medical advancements come at a cost, and there is already a rising cost of healthcare in retirement that you should plan for. A solid retirement plan anticipates the costs that Medicare care will not necessarily cover.
There are many reasons to look forward to the future, and also reasons to worry. There’s no telling how retirement could be different in 2030, let alone 2050. If you’re concerned about outliving your nest egg or market volatility, contact the professionals at Epstein & White. We can help you create a retirement plan that makes you look forward to your future. Click here to schedule you no cost, no obligation financial review today.
