What Americans predict life in 2065 will be like

What will life be like in 2065? We might all be renting, consulting AI doctors and retirement homes could be digital.

Those are some of the bold predictions to emerge from a survey of 2,000 Americans which examined the generational predictions for what might come to be in the next 40 years.

Results showed 48% of Gen Z think retirement won’t be an option for most people in 40 years, while 51% feel there will be a digital alternative that arises to meet the needs of the many who anticipate struggling to afford later life care.

The survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of LevLane (https://www.levlane.com) found just 41% of respondents own their homes.

Of those who don’t, just 35% believe they’ll ever own a home — while 25% said they anticipate having to rent for life.

When asked how much they think the average cost of a home will be in 2065, respondents said $682,120 — that’s $272,020 more than the average cost today.

And respondents anticipate needing a lot more from their salary, predicting $508,950 will be the average household income necessary in 2065 compared to today’s $80,610.

But, while Bill Gates thinks we could be down to just two working days a week within the next decade, the American public is less convinced — estimating people will work closer to 30 hours or four days per week by 2065.

“This research offers a striking look at how Americans, especially younger generations, are reimagining the future,” said Kelly Sizemore, chief growth officer at LevLane. “From housing and health care to income and retirement, people are clearly preparing for a world where traditional milestones are being reshaped by technology, cost pressures and cultural shifts. But, these insights don’t just highlight anxieties, they also reveal how people expect innovation to rise and meet evolving needs. It’s a call to brands, institutions and policymakers to listen, adapt and lead with empathy and foresight.”

Other bold forecasts for what participants think will be commonplace in 2065 are a society run by 100% digital currency (39%), biometric payment methods (36%), households run by smart home AI technology (35%), having a robot roommate/housekeeper/caregiver (32%) and living with implanted health monitors (30%).

Twenty-five percent of respondents don’t believe retirement will be financially possible, estimating the average American would need $3.54 million to retire in 2065.

In general, 38% of participants said the next generation will likely be worse off financially than previous generations.

In fact, a further 64% agreed that today’s younger generations will have a worse retirement experience than baby boomers.

The factors cited for a less-than-rosy future retirement for younger generations were concerns about the cost of care and medical expenses (26%), not being able to fully retire due to rising costs (24%) and lack of personal savings or financial security (22%).

And, it’s not just financial differences. The way Gen Z wants to spend their golden years is much different than the luxe retirement communities coveted by baby boomers.

Twenty-nine percent of Gen Z said they want to spend time with family so they can watch future generations grow. Twenty percent said they’d like to travel the world and space, while 17% said they want to own a hobby farm or retreat with animals and gardens.

Interestingly, around one in six want to live off the grid, in nature and away from tech, while 15% said they’d prefer to live with friends in a co-living community.

“The picture painted here isn’t just about economic uncertainty — it’s about a shift in values,” said Chris Moreira, chief creative officer at LevLane. “Younger generations are signaling that the future they imagine isn’t rooted in excess, but in connection, flexibility and purpose. Whether it’s redefining retirement, rethinking ownership or embracing new technologies, the challenge — and opportunity — lies in designing a future that reflects these evolving priorities.”

WHAT AMERICANS SAY 2065 WILL LOOK LIKE

• 25% of Americans feel they will rent for life
• Average home will cost $682,120
• The workweek will be 30 hours
• Retirement will cost $3.5 million
• Gen Z won’t do boomer luxury retirement:
  • 29% will retire with family
  • 20% will travel Earth and space
  • 17% want animal-filled hobby farms
  • 16% want to live off the grid away from tech
  • 15% want to live with friends in a co-living community