Financial well-being plays a significant role in older Americans’ quality of life, affecting physical health, social relationships, and cognitive skills. New research by Pew found that those with higher incomes report more positive outcomes than those with lower incomes.
The study surveyed 8,750 adults and found:
* Affluent retirees (income > $155,600) reported better overall well-being, including good physical and mental health, and a sense of security in retirement.
* Only about half of middle-income seniors (income $51,900-$155,600) and less than 40% of lower-income seniors said they were aging well.
* Despite financial concerns, many older adults are optimistic about their lives, with over half reporting having people to turn to for support.
However, the study also highlights significant disparities in retirement outlook. Women, Black and Hispanic adults, and those in their 30s and 40s tend to have more concerns about their financial future. Additionally, nearly all younger adults (67%) are worried about retirement, with top concerns including wellness, finances, and family relationships.
The research suggests that Americans value long lives but not excessively long ones. Most want to reach age 80, but fewer than 30% aspire to live to 100. The typical American now lives to around 78 years old, with the ideal retirement age averaging 91 years old.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/11/06/pew-survey-aging-income