Transitioning into Retirement: The MetLife Study of Baby Boomers at 65... Research and Market Trends

Transitioning into Retirement The MetLife Study of Baby Boomers at 65 – 2012

Full Report

Overview

Nearly half of all 65-year-old Boomers are now fully retired, with another 14 percent reporting they are retired but chose to work part-time or seasonally. This study, conducted by MetLife, examines the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of the older Boomer segment as they transition into their next life stage. The research findings demonstrate significant changes in employment and retirement status among this leading-edge Boomer cohort, compared to an earlier study conducted in 2008.

Key Points

This report, based on the study’s research findings, provides statistical information regarding the implications of retirement on older Boomers’ attitudes toward work, finances, health, aging, family, and housing. A sample of 1,012 Boomers born in 1946 who had recently reached the 65-year-old milestone participated in the study. Though close to one-half of all 65-year-old Boomers are fully retired, those who are not retired have major concerns with retirement such as maintaining financial stability, staying active and productive, and incurring long-term care costs. The majority of older Boomers have already started collecting Social Security benefits, and 6 in 10 Boomers are confident that Social Security will be able to provide adequate benefits for their lifetime. As Boomers age, their caregiver roll shifts from caring for parents to caring for grandchildren. This new caregiver roll requires consideration as a potential issue in many Boomers’ retirement plans.

How to Use

The report offers a high-level of data regarding retirement trends of the older Boomer segment, as well as their feelings and attitudes toward retirement and the post-retirement life stage. Planners and local officials can use this report to gain an understanding of the perceptions and behaviors of the older Boomer population. As older Boomers age, they will continue to have a significant impact on the workforce and health care system. In order to prepare for Boomers’ transition into retirement, planners and local officials need to understand the retirement trends of older Boomers in their community. View full report:

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