Trad. IRA vs Roth IRA

[Guest ISK]

Client is 66, still working (and plans to until age 70). She is not collecting any Social Security, having decided to wait for the higher payout at age 70. Between her SS benefit and her pension plan (which has a COLA), she expects to replace nearly her current annual income of about $60K. She will have only living expenses in retirement as her mortgage will be fully paid off.

She has been funding a regular IRA which now has a value of approx $60,000. She stopped funding that a few years ago, and started funding a Roth IRA instead. I am wondering whether it makes sense for her to convert the old IRA account to a Roth IRA, thereby avoiding RMDs starting at age 70-1/2, so that she can have the flexibility of accumulating her IRA funds in the event she lives for a very long time (she is concerned as longevity runs in her family). At my behest she spoke to the bank officer where she has her IRA account and he advised her not to convert based on the tax liability she would incur in converting to a Roth.

I also am wondering whether there are any differences to the account beneficiaries (her three children) if her account is held as a regular IRA vs. a Roth IRA.

I would be interested in getting any thoughts on either of these issues. Thanks.