When wealth peaks, so does planning complexity

Relative wealth level and prevalence of low cognitive function by age

Relative wealth level Low cognitive function (% of age group)

The critical planning window (ages 75–85) — wealth remains close to its peak while cognitive function begins to decline significantly. This is the window where robust planning decisions need to be in place, not deferred.

Wealth curve: ONS Wealth and Assets Survey (Apr 2020–Mar 2022). Median household total wealth peaks at £502,500 for households aged 65–74, declining to £373,100 for those aged 75 and over. Indexed to 100 at peak.

Cognitive risk curve: IFS — Cognitive decline and financial wealth at older ages (Dec 2025). 10% of 75-year-olds show signs of low cognitive function, rising to 18% at age 80 and over 40% in the late 80s.

This chart is for illustrative purposes only. Confirmed data points are sourced from ONS and IFS publications as cited above. Intermediate values are interpolated to show the trend and should not be read as precise survey data. This chart does not constitute financial, medical or statistical advice.