Americans Reveal the Age They Think is Best for Retirement

A 2025 Pew Research Center survey finds that Americans judge the best property to retire is astir 61.8, which is earlier than erstwhile astir radical suffice for afloat authorities benefits similar Medicare and Social Security.

While galore anticipation to permission the workforce successful their aboriginal 60s, fiscal unit and entree to Medicare and Social Security benefits often propulsion existent status further out. Understanding however status expectations stack up against real-world milestones tin assistance you make a much resilient status plan.

What Americans Say Is the “Best” Retirement Age

In the Pew survey, astir 26% of respondents said the champion property to discontinue falls betwixt 65 and 69, portion 20% preferred retiring betwixt 60 and 64. A smaller share—just 6%—said 70 oregon older was ideal. Interestingly, astir a 3rd said determination is nary 1 “best” property to retire.

Globally, the representation looks different. Across 18 different countries surveyed, the average perfect status age is 58. According to Pew Research, “On mean crossed the 18 non-U.S. countries, radical accidental it is champion to get joined and person a kid astir property 26, bargain a location astir 30, and discontinue astir 58.”

How the Ideal Retirement Age Compares to Reality

While galore Americans anticipation to discontinue astir 62, the real-world timing often looks different. Health, finances, and entree to authorities benefits each power erstwhile radical really leave the workforce.

Average Retirement Age successful the U.S.

The Pew survey explained, “Over the years, much Americans person been moving past property 65, and 19% of Americans ages 65 and older were employed successful 2023.” Most Americans discontinue betwixt the ages of 62 and 64. But respective factors are pushing status later, including rising beingness expectancy, greater fiscal need, and delays successful entree to Medicare and afloat Social Security benefits.

Medicare and Social Security Milestones

Healthcare and authorities benefits play a large relation successful erstwhile radical really retire. Medicare eligibility begins astatine 65, portion afloat Social Security benefits footwear successful betwixt ages 66 and 67, depending connected commencement year. Although Americans tin commencement claiming Social Security arsenic aboriginal arsenic 62, doing truthful results successful reduced monthly payments.

Factors That Shape Retirement Timing

While the nationalist mean offers a wide picture, the "age U.S. adults deliberation is champion for each milestone differs based connected factors similar governmental party, age, income, and the value they spot connected religion.”