Once you hit the cost basis, you should start taking the withdrawals as policy loans. (paramountlifeinsurance.com)
Even if you've already started taking withdrawals from your Vangaurd Variable Annuity, shares of the principal can be redeemed at any time. (investor.vanguard.com)
However, Traditional IRAs require you to start taking withdrawals at age 70 1/2. (wealthsimple.com)