10/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 16:05
New research from ASFA, the voice of super, shows Australians no longer view reaching retirement age as a 'stop sign', with a significant proportion of people planning on working past 65 for either social or financial reasons. The research also shows only a small percentage of Australians believe they will never be in a position to finishing working.
Key findings:
A representative survey of 1,500 Australians conducted for the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has found views on pathways to retirement vary greatly, with a striking number of working Australians from all age groups saying they want to maintain part-time or casual work in retirement in order to "keep occupied."
While this intention was strongest amongst working Australians aged 18 to 34 (almost 40%) a full quarter of people still working at aged 65+ valued work for the social connection and stimulation enough to want to maintain some form of work.
Chart 1: Intentions to retire amongst working Australians aged 18-65+
Source: ASFA, Redbridge
NOTE: This intention data is of individuals who are currently working, not the full population
"This research shows us the days of working to customary retirement age and then putting your feet up are long gone," said ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty.
"The rules around superannuation need to change to reflect this. Currently, Australians who've hit preservation age can't draw down on their super, and top up the same account. Being forced to have two or more accounts - one account to take money from and one to put money into - doesn't make sense with our modern, fluid approaches to retirement."
Working for financial necessity
A lesser proportion of people across all age groups believe they will need to continue to work part-time or casually in retirement due to financial necessity, with numbers relatively consistent across age groups.
Most people believe they will be able to fully retire at some stage, with only 14% of people aged 65 and over who are still working saying they don't think they will be able to retire at all. Extrapolated out to the whole population of both working and non-working Australians 65+, only three percent believe stopping work will never be an option.
"This research demonstrates yet again the clear need for Australians to have low- or no-cost financial advice as they transition retirement," said Ms Delahunty.
"Having your options clearly laid out by a financial advisor from your super fund, as the Quality of Advice Review Final Report recommends, could only benefit the hundreds of thousands of Australians deciding how best to manage their finances at this important time.
"Our research shows beyond question that advice reform is vital to ensuring Australia's super system remains a global leader. We're committed to continuing to work closely with Government and the sector to see these changes come to life without delay," concluded Delahunty.
NOTES:
Chart 2: ABS employment statistics
SURVEY DETAILS
An online survey of 1,500 adults was conducted, representing the broader population in terms of age, gender, education, and whether they lived in urban or regional areas.
For further information, please contact ASFA Media team: 0451 949 300
About ASFA
ASFA, the voice of super, is the peak policy, research and advocacy body for Australia's superannuation industry. It is a not-for-profit, sector-neutral, and non-party political, national organisation. ASFA's mission is to continuously improve the superannuation system, so all Australians can enjoy a comfortable and dignified retirement.