Most retirees (82%) have no regrets about their retirement planning, while half of people who aren't retired under 55 (49%) and 59% of people over 55 feel the same. Yet, two in five unretired Americans (40%) say they would prefer to work as long as they can and not fully retire.
Almost 90% of retirees say that their retirement is either “very” or “moderately” satisfying. Higher net worth and better health are associated with higher levels of happiness in retirement19. 97% of retirees with a strong sense of purpose were generally happy, compared with 76% without that sense20.
They are all really happy. Yet surveys repeatedly show that when people are asked what they should have done differently, they often reply: “I should have saved more” or “I should have started saving earlier.” We're off to find other metrics to figure out what's going on.
Even for people who chose to retire, saying goodbye to their career doesn't always bring happiness. Some feel anxious and saddened by the loss of routine and direction in their lives. Almost 1 in 3 retirees say they feel depressed – a rate higher than that of the adult population overall.
But that mindset is exactly what gets people in trouble, according to the founder of the Retirement Coaches Association, Robert Laura. “I would say probably 50% — if not 60% — of people fail at retirement,” Laura told Moneywise.
Personal health: A large contributor to happiness is your health. Retirees who take care of themselves and maintain a healthy lifestyle are generally happier than those who do not. There are many low-cost forms of exercise such as walking, swimming, biking, and hiking.
The average retirement age in the United States is 61, according to a 2022 Gallup survey. In 1991, the average retirement age in the U.S. was 57; in 2002, it was 59. According to the poll, people still working in 2022 expect to retire at 66 on average.
The normal retirement age is typically 65 or 66 for most people; this is when you can begin drawing your full Social Security retirement benefit. It could make sense to retire earlier or later, however, depending on your financial situation, needs and goals.
The hardest part of early retirement, in my experience, was adjusting to a new lifestyle. When you retire early, you suddenly find yourself with an abundance of free time. This may sound exciting at first, but it can also be overwhelming. Without the structure of a regular job, it's easy to feel lost or purposeless.”
Based on their responses, the No. 1 challenge people faced in retirement was not being able to replace the social connections that had sustained them for so long at work.
Most of us seem to know that the average American lives between 70 and 80 years: 73.5 years for men, and 79.3 for women, to be exact. Fewer of us understand that life expectancy rises with age. An American man who turns 70 today will live to 85, on average. A woman of 70 will live to 87.
Develop a routine
You may find it feels more normal to continue getting up, eating and going to bed at roughly the same time every day. Plan in regular activities such as voluntary work, exercise and hobbies. This will keep things interesting and give you a purpose.
For retirees who are not married, they are 4.5 times more likely to be unhappy. But retirees who are not married have a higher chance of being a happy retiree if they make sure they have support networks, stay active and are socially engaged with their family of choice.
Nearly 2 in 5 Retirees Have No Retirement Savings
The survey found that about 37% of retirees say they have no retirement savings, up from 30% in 2022, and only about 12% have at least the recommended $555,000 in savings.
Key findings. In 2022, the average (median) retirement savings for American households was $87,000. Median retirement savings for Americans younger than 35 was $18,800 as of 2022.
This number has been cited so often that investors may feel as if they're failing if they don't reach it. But that shouldn't be the case. In fact, statistically, just 10% of Americans have saved $1 million or more for retirement. Don't feel like a failure if your nest egg isn't quite up to the seven-figure level.
You may worry about managing financially on a fixed income, coping with declining health, or adapting to a different relationship with your spouse now that you're at home all day. The loss of identity, routine, and goals can impact your sense of self-worth, leave you feeling rudderless, or even lead to depression.
Follow the 3% Rule for an Average Retirement
If you are fairly confident you won't run out of money, begin by withdrawing 3% of your portfolio annually. Adjust based on inflation but keep an eye on the market, as well.
Some people retire early only to find that they're overwhelmingly bored. To alleviate the boredom, you may find that you start overspending and putting what you have managed to save for your retirement at risk. That's why it's usually important to plan how you will spend your time and money in early retirement.
When we looked at just the unhealthy retirees in the sample—who accounted for 1,022 of the 2,956 participants—we still found that retiring one year later was associated with a 9% lower mortality risk.
The 2023 retirement outlook includes a host of obstacles, such as high inflation and rising interest rates. These trends have created an uncertain environment that would unnerve even the most careful retirement planners. But as always, your personal circumstances matter the most.
Early retirement is becoming more prevalent amongst wealthier people, while those with average earnings tend to work to retirement age, an IFS report showed. Lifestyle, savings, investing and housing are just some of the factors in play when it comes to early retirement, experts say.
As of December 2023, the average check is $1,767.03, according to the Social Security Administration – but that amount can differ drastically depending on the type of recipient.
Human longevity doesn't stop rising at 60. An American who retires at 65 can expect to live to 85, according to Social Security projections.