Best Retirement Age: 65 vs 70 (Pros and Cons)

Retirement is a significant milestone in everyone’s life, and deciding the right time to retire is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including finances, health, and lifestyle goals. Traditionally, 65 has been considered the standard retirement age, but with life expectancy increasing and financial planning evolving, many people are now choosing to work longer and retire at 70. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of retiring at 65 vs. 70 to help you determine which age might be best for you.

Retiring at Age 65

Pros:

1. Access to Retirement Benefits:At 65, many people become eligible for Social Security benefits in the U.S. or government pensions like CPP (Canada Pension Plan) or Age Pension in Australia. This can provide a financial cushion for those who rely on these benefits in retirement.
2. Health Considerations:While health varies from person to person, many people find that 65 is a good age to retire while still enjoying relatively good health. It allows for the freedom to travel, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with loved ones while you’re still active.
3. Time to Enjoy Retirement:Retiring at 65 gives you more time to pursue personal interests, hobbies, and leisure activities. If you’ve been working for decades, this could be the perfect opportunity to unwind and focus on your passions.

Cons:

1. Lower Retirement Savings:Retiring at 65 may limit the amount of time you have to save, leading to a potentially lower retirement fund. This can be especially challenging if you haven’t saved enough during your working years or if you’re facing unexpected financial issues.
2. Shorter Retirement:If you retire at 65, you might not have as many years in retirement as someone who retires later. Given that people are living longer, this could result in outliving your savings, especially if you rely heavily on fixed income sources.
3. Missed Earning Potential:Retiring at 65 means missing out on extra earnings that could boost your retirement savings. If you continue working, even part-time, you can accumulate additional savings, which could provide more financial security in retirement.

Retiring at Age 70

Pros:

1. Increased Savings:By delaying retirement until 70, you give yourself more years to save and invest. This can result in a larger nest egg, giving you more financial security during retirement. Additionally, your Social Security or pension benefits will be higher because you waited longer to start receiving them.
2. Higher Monthly Benefits:In many countries, such as the U.S., Social Security benefits increase if you delay claiming them past 65. By retiring at 70, you could receive significantly higher monthly payments, helping to ensure you have a more comfortable retirement.
3. Better Health Insurance:For those who retire before age 65, healthcare can become a significant financial burden. By waiting until 70, you have the advantage of health insurance through your employer or access to Medicare (in the U.S.) or government programs (in Canada and Australia), which can reduce medical expenses in retirement.

Cons:

1. Delayed Enjoyment:Retiring at 70 means delaying the enjoyment of your free time. If you’ve spent decades working, this might limit the amount of time you have to travel, pursue hobbies, or relax in your later years. Your physical health may also impact your ability to enjoy these activities as you get older.
2. Potential Health Decline:While some people remain healthy and active well into their 70s, others experience health issues as they age. Waiting until 70 to retire could mean that you’re not able to fully enjoy the freedom of retirement if your health begins to decline.
3. Burnout:Working until 70 can be mentally and physically exhausting, especially if your job is demanding. While many people love their careers, others find that the stress of continuing to work in later years can lead to burnout, potentially impacting your health and happiness.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Your Retirement Age

1. Financial Situation:Do you have enough savings to retire at 65, or would waiting until 70 give you a more comfortable retirement? Assess your current savings, investment portfolio, and expected retirement income.
2. Health:Your health will play a crucial role in determining when to retire. If you are in good health and enjoy working, retiring at 70 might be a viable option. However, if health problems arise, you might want to retire earlier to enjoy a higher quality of life.
3. Life Goals:Think about how you want to spend your time in retirement. If you have plans to travel, volunteer, or pursue new hobbies, retiring earlier might give you the time you need to do so. However, if you enjoy your career and want to continue working, retiring at 70 may allow you to achieve greater financial stability.

Final Thoughts

The decision to retire at 65 vs. 70 is highly personal and should be based on your unique financial situation, health, and goals. If you are financially prepared and ready to enjoy your retirement years, 65 might be the perfect age for you. On the other hand, if you want to increase your savings and benefits, retiring at 70 could provide a better financial cushion. Ultimately, the best retirement age is the one that allows you to enjoy your post-working years with financial security and peace of mind.