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Just one in five people believe they will be able to fully retire
Ireland🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/7/2026

Just one in five people believe they will be able to fully retire

A new report by Irish Life reveals that only one in five adults in Ireland expects to fully retire and stop working traditionally. The study, based on research involving over 2,000 adults, highlights growing acceptance of longer working lives due to increased life expectancy. While 74% of respondents believe they will need to work longer to support themselves in later life, only 19% expect to fully stop working at retirement. Many anticipate a gradual reduction in working hours or continuing part-time employment. Among those over 65, a strong preference for phased retirement was noted, with enjoyment of work and maintaining activity cited as key motivators. Financial confidence remains low, with only one in three adults feeling assured about sustaining a longer life, dropping to 24% among those aged 55-64. The report underscores the need for systemic changes in workplace practices, pensions, and financial planning to align with evolving retirement expectations.

Money and health remain the primary concerns for many as living to 100 becomes increasingly likely, according to a new survey by Irish Life. The findings reveal that barely three in 10 people are confident they could fund a significantly longer life, as projections indicate that around one in four children born today may live to 100 years of age. Oisín O’Shaughnessy, managing director of corporate business at Irish Life, noted that populations are aging rapidly in developed countries, including Ireland, which is experiencing a faster rate of aging compared to other nations. He emphasized that while living to 100 is not universally positive, people often frame their willingness to achieve this milestone in terms of having sufficient financial resources and maintaining good health. Financial preparedness appears to be a major challenge. The average pension pot for individuals nearing retirement stands at €108,000, which currently generates an annual pension income of approximately €6,042. However, people surveyed estimated they would need €315,000 for a comfortable retirement, which would yield an annual pension of €17,252, assuming a death age in the early 80s rather than beyond 100. O’Shaughnessy pointed out that these figures highlight a mismatch between public expectations and actual financial readiness, although those who receive financial advice tend to have higher pension savings. Teresa Kelly Oroz, head of public policy at Irish Life, highlighted that Ireland lags behind other countries in addressing the implications of extended lifespans. While government efforts such as auto-enrolment have improved pension coverage, there has been little discussion regarding the adequacy of retirement savings and the necessary adjustments to working life. She suggested that working longer and delaying the State pension age are likely outcomes, emphasizing the need for broader societal adaptation. Employers face increasing pressure to accommodate older workers, as nearly eight in 10 respondents agreed that workplaces must evolve to meet the needs of an aging workforce. Despite this consensus, less than two in five believed their employers actively recruited older workers, indicating a gap between perception and practice. Over four in five respondents acknowledged that older workers contribute positively to the workplace, suggesting a growing recognition of their value. The survey also revealed a disparity between general attitudes toward retirement and individual plans. While most accept the idea of longer working lives, few are certain about their ability to fund them. A majority of respondents indicated they would increase savings or investments to prepare for a longer life, but confidence remains low, especially among those nearing retirement. Declan Bolger, chief executive of Irish Life, stated that Ireland is transitioning from a model centered on an 80-year lifespan to one requiring preparation for a 100-year life. He stressed that the report underscores how longevity is altering work habits, savings strategies, and lifestyle choices. Bolger called for a coordinated approach involving workplace policies, pension systems, healthcare, and financial guidance to align with evolving expectations.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

3 reports

RTÉ News logoRTÉ NewsState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 929/6/2026
Only one in five people expect to retire fully - survey

A new report by Irish Life reveals that only 20% of adults in Ireland expect to fully retire and stop working traditionally. The Life100+ Report, based on a survey of over 2,000 adults, highlights that most people anticipate working longer due to increased lifespans. Around 27% plan to gradually reduce working hours, while nearly 25% expect to continue working part-time. Those aged 65 and above show a stronger preference for phased retirement. The report notes that many individuals lack sufficient savings for a comfortable retirement, with an average needed pension pot of €315,000 compared to current savings of €102,000. Concerns about maintaining health and cognitive function rank higher than financial worries among those who hope to reach 100 years of age.

Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a private-sector report on retirement trends without overtly endorsing or criticizing specific political policies or parties. It reports on societal attitudes toward aging and retirement planning, which are relevant to public policy but does not take a clear stance

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the findings of the Life100+ Report, including statistics such as 'only one in five' expecting full retirement, the sample size of over 2,000 adults, and the financial figures like the €315,000 needed for a comfortable retirement versus current savings of €102,000. It

Why objectivity (92): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, using direct quotes from the report and avoiding overt bias. While it emphasizes the implications of the findings, it does so without editorializing or taking sides, maintaining a balanced perspective.

TheJournal.ie logoTheJournal.ieIndependentCenterFactual 94Objective 909/7/2026
Just one in five people believe they will be able to fully retire

A new report by Irish Life reveals that only one in five adults in Ireland expects to fully retire and stop working traditionally. The study, based on research involving over 2,000 adults, highlights growing acceptance of longer working lives due to increased life expectancy. While 74% of respondents believe they will need to work longer to support themselves in later life, only 19% expect to fully stop working at retirement. Many anticipate a gradual reduction in working hours or continuing part-time employment. Among those over 65, a strong preference for phased retirement was noted, with enjoyment of work and maintaining activity cited as key motivators. Financial confidence remains low, with only one in three adults feeling assured about sustaining a longer life, dropping to 24% among those aged 55-64. The report underscores the need for systemic changes in workplace practices, pensions, and financial planning to align with evolving retirement expectations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a private insurance company's report without overtly endorsing or criticizing specific political policies or parties. It focuses on economic and demographic trends rather than taking a partisan stance. The framing remains neutral, discussing data and expert quotes,

Why factuality (94): The article accurately summarizes the Life100+ Report, including the statistic that only one in five expect to fully retire, the sample size, and the financial figures. It also correctly reports the breakdown of retirement expectations and the confidence levels of different age groups, aligning with

Why objectivity (90): The article remains largely objective, presenting the findings without overt bias. However, it uses phrases like 'leading reasons' when discussing why people work past retirement age, which introduces a slight interpretive angle. Overall, it maintains a balanced tone.

The Irish Times logoThe Irish TimesIndependent🔒CenterFactual 93Objective 889/7/2026
Money and health the big concerns as living to 100 becomes a reality, new survey shows

A new survey by Irish Life highlights growing concerns about financial preparedness for significantly longer lifespans, as projections indicate one in four children born today may live to 100. The report notes that the average pension pot for those nearing retirement is only €108,000, which would provide a modest annual income of €6,042, far below the €315,000 many believe is needed for a comfortable retirement. Experts warn that Ireland is behind other nations in addressing pension adequacy and the implications of increased longevity, suggesting that policies like auto-enrolment are insufficient. While most respondents acknowledge the need for workplaces to adapt to aging populations, there is a notable disconnect between public opinion and individual behavior, with few believing their employers actively recruit older workers.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the issue, discussing both the financial challenges posed by extended lifespans and the need for policy changes. It includes perspectives from industry experts and acknowledges differing opinions on workplace adaptation. There is no overt ideological slant, as

Why factuality (93): This article accurately reflects the core findings of the Life100+ Report, including the confidence levels of adults regarding funding a longer life, the average pension pot sizes, and the comments from Oisín O’Shaughnessy and Teresa Kelly Oroz. It aligns with the cross-source consensus, though it a

Why objectivity (88): The article maintains a relatively neutral stance but includes commentary from Irish Life officials that may subtly highlight the challenges facing retirees. While it avoids overt bias, the inclusion of statements from company representatives slightly reduces its neutrality compared to other article

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