Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd., formerly Max Life Insurance Company Ltd., has released the East Zone findings of the fifth edition of its India Retirement Index Study (IRIS 5.0), conducted with Kantar. The report shows East India leading the country in retirement preparedness with a score of 52, well above the national average of 48. The study highlights strong financial and health preparedness in the region. The Financial Preparedness Index remains steady at 52, reflecting disciplined savings and early planning, while the Health Preparedness Index has improved from 46 to 49. However, the Emotional Preparedness Index has dipped slightly to 59, indicating growing concerns around post-retirement life.
Anurag Gupta, Director and Chief Business Officer & Retirement Head, Axis Max Life Insurance, said the findings reaffirm East India’s leadership, driven by early investments, higher insurance adoption, and proactive health behaviour, while also stressing the need for emotional wellbeing. Nearly 75% of respondents in the region have started investing for retirement, the highest in India, with term plan ownership rising to 60% and ULIP adoption to 46%. Around 69% feel secure about retirement, and 52% believe their savings will last over 10 years post-retirement.
Health awareness is also high, with 55% opting for annual check-ups and 53% covered by health insurance. However, emotional concerns persist, with 70% worried about dependency on children and 69% fearing loneliness.
