New Delhi, March 18 -- India's life expectancy has risen from 62 to 72 in 25 years and could approach 90 by 2100, according to UN projections. For affluent Indians, better healthcare and lifestyles mean living into their 80s or 90s is increasingly likely. This makes retirement planning a long-term strategy to sustain income, manage rising medical costs, and preserve lifestyle.

And as AI and technological shifts shorten careers, planning for a 30-year-or longer-retirement is more urgent than ever.

Dhamayanthi Balachander, a 55-year-old Chennai-based homemaker and former special educator, has taken an active role in shaping her retirement strategy. Over the past few years, she has focused on consolidating real estate holdings, increasing ...