Surveys Show Many Americans Worry About Retirement
Some of us dream about retirement. But according to recent surveys, many Americans worry about it before it arrives — and find it difficult when it is their time to retire.
In May, a OnePoll survey of 2,000 retired Americans found that 81% had difficulties while retiring. And in April, a Gallup poll found that more than half of those who haven't retired yet don't think they will be financially comfortable in their "golden years."
In the US, most people who retire get money from the government — called "social security" — and many others also have pensions from their companies to support them in retirement, as well as personal savings.
OnePoll found that Americans believe they need to save an average of $440,000 for retirement.
But is that even enough? It depends on who you ask.
Gallup reported that almost 8 out of 10 retired people said they had enough money for retirement, while according to OnePoll, 56% of retired people said they were living comfortably.
But it's younger people who may face extra financial pressure when they retire.
According to Money.com, "lack of access to workplace retirement plans" will leave young people worse off.
Saving is getting harder too, experts say. For one thing, retirement is lasting longer than it used to. Not only are people living longer, but as OnePoll found, many are actually retiring earlier than they had expected.
Added to that is the rising cost of living, which means people are not able to save as much as they might have done previously.
But the problems reported by OnePoll weren't only financial. More than half of the people surveyed said accepting that their health was getting worse was also something they found difficult. And 22% said it was difficult letting go of their previous employment.
1. Do you know anyone who is coming up to retirement age? How do they plan to spend it?
2. What do you imagine are the most difficult things about being retired?
3. If you could retire anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
4. Are there any parts of your country that are popular with retirees?