With people on average living longer, life after 50 is more likely to be ‘multi-staged’ than follow the historic convention of education, work and retirement.
Those entering their Second 50 today have vastly different prospects from those of previous generations, meaning retirement advice continues to be an ever more vital and valuable part of financial planning.
The Second 50: Navigating a multi-stage life, a new report published from Aegon, finds that past trends in retirement are no longer a reliable guide to the future.
The report uses unique Aegon research alongside the latest available UK national statistics to help identify the ways in which life after 50 will differ. It proposes areas to consider when planning ahead and seeks out the key drivers for change within what Aegon is calling the ‘Second 50’.
While working into later life is often seen as a negative, Aegon’s findings reveal for most, the main reasons for doing so are positive amongst those over 60, and include an enjoyment of working life (57%) and keeping the mind sharp (54%)1.
Aegon believes the UK Government and employers have vital roles to play in supporting a longer, more varied working life for the UK population.
The increased demand for retirement advice
Aegon and NextWealth data released earlier this year showed increased demand for retirement advice, which accounts for 58% of the assets firms advise on. The growing variability in our Second 50 years and the millions of combinations have key implications for the advice community:
- Clients will need personalised help to plan for multiple stages of retirement, as well as unexpected life events such as social care in later life.
- Financial planning may require a more holistic approach, reflecting the interconnections with future transition from work, health, family and wellbeing.
Steven Cameron, Pensions Director at Aegon, said:
“As we see record numbers of people in the UK celebrating their 100th birthday2, we want to start a conversation about how varied people’s second 50 years may be and to help people better understand and navigate them. For many, seeking financial advice will be of particular value.
“The Second 50 is a new phase of life that is vastly different to the prospects our parents and grandparents had when they reached age 50. There are millions of combinations of circumstances and situations that people over 50 may find themselves living through at various times and in different orders, meaning everyone’s Second 50 is truly unique.
“In fact, in many ways, it’s uncharted territory. We can no longer simply look to what’s gone before to know how to manage it on behalf of clients. Our report picks out five fundamentals to consider as you help your clients navigate this journey.”
The report’s findings include considerations for people to make the most of a longer, and more varied working life. It sets out five fundamentals of life after 50 that are changing significantly and unique to each of us:
- Work – including how we transition from work into retirement
- Wealth – the money we’ve built up from savings, investments, and pensions as well as if we own our own home
- Family – we may be caring for or financially supporting other generations
- Health – we are likely to see changes in our health in later years
- Wellbeing – what brings us joy and purpose in our Second 50
During our Second 50, 53% of us hope to spend more time with loved ones, 45% plan to travel, while 33% expect to pursue new hobbies.
Steven Cameron added: “We want to explore the Second 50 not just with individuals, but with employers, the financial services industry and government, to create a landscape that is truly fit for purpose for everyone’s life after 50. Advisers will bring huge value in navigating that landscape.
“Whether it’s employment and pension law or the State Pension, the Government has the responsibility to support and the power to shape people’s Second 50. For example, we’d like to see the Government offer more flexibility around when people can access their State Pension.
“In addition, employers play a vital part in life after 50 by offering flexible working, training, and support at all ages, and by harnessing the skills and expertise of those who wish to continue working for longer. Meanwhile, workplace pensions can help build the financial support needed by employees in later life.”
