With only 1 in 4 people putting a lot of thought into their retirement planning1, the UK faces a growing crisis in later-life financial security. The journey to and through retirement has become increasingly complex, and recent economic pressures have made saving even harder for millions of people. 

Research from the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement reveals: 

Less than half of UK adults feel positive about their financial situation<sup>1</sup>

49% of Gen X expect a worse standard of living when they retire<sup>1</sup>

50% of workers expect they will need to work beyond State Pension age<sup>1</sup>

The next two decades will be critical. Without action, the DWP predict retirees in 2050 could face 8% less private pension income than today’s retirees. But it’s not too late to change course. 
 

Understanding the changing retirement landscape

People are living longer, saving less, and are confused by the options available to them. Clarity and reassurance can help people plan for their futures. 

Our experts share their perspectives on what’s driving change - and what this means for the future of retirement. 

Our latest research on the future of retirement and pensions

It’s crucial that the government, pension providers, workplaces and financial advisers work together to help people plan for their retirement. 

  • Changing Journeys: How we save, work and retire

    The way we work, save and retire has been changing, and will continue to change in the future. But what affect will these changes have? 

  • Better help, better outcomes?

    Most people are making retirement income decisions without support. Targeted support could be a game-changer in improving financial outcomes. 

  • Retirement Voice 2025

    For the fifth year running, we’ve asked 6,000 people from across the UK to tell us how they’re currently feeling about their finances, work, and how they are preparing for retirement. 

More on this topic

  • Looking for retirement insights?

    Go to the Standard Life Centre

  • Are you a business looking for a pension provider?

    Go to our workplace site

  • Are you a financial adviser?

    Go to our adviser site

1These insights are from our Retirement Voice 2025 research