As America faces a historic surge in retirements, a panel at NAIFA’s 2026 Congressional Conference examined what the industry and policymakers must do to prepare for the growing demands of an aging population. Moderated by Punchbowl News policy reporter Brendan Pedersen, the panel featured NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, NAIFA President Christopher L. Gandy, LACP, and ACLI’s Jill Kozeny, who discussed the challenges surrounding retirement income, healthcare costs, and long-term financial security.
Panelists agreed that many Americans remain underprepared for retirement, particularly as longer life expectancies and rising healthcare costs place additional pressure on savings. Gandy noted that consumers are less concerned with policy terminology and more focused on practical questions such as whether they will outlive their money or how they will pay for future care needs. Kozeny added that while the retirement system has focused heavily on helping Americans save, policymakers must also prioritize solutions that help retirees generate dependable lifetime income.
A central theme throughout the discussion was the value financial advisors bring in helping consumers navigate increasingly complex financial decisions. Mayeux emphasized the importance of advisor engagement with lawmakers, telling attendees, “You have the ability to translate between the white paper and real-world messaging.” Advisors play a critical role not only in financial planning, but also in helping families better understand risk, retirement income strategies, and long-term care planning, he added.
The panelists called for advisors to remain actively engaged in advocacy efforts and public policy discussions that directly impact consumers’ access to financial guidance and protection products. Continue sharing client experiences with lawmakers and lead more conversations around guaranteed income, healthcare planning, and financial security as the nation prepares for the realities of “Peak 65.”