Retirement risks and attitudes continue to evolve, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced choices about when to retire, housing in retirement, approaches to saving for retirement and generational preferences. The Society of Actuaries Aging and Retirement Research Program has continued its broad series of longitudinal surveys on retirement risks and attitudes and additionally has looked more broadly at the differences in approaches occurring by different generations. The life experiences of each generation (Baby Boomers, Gen X, and so on) have greatly influenced what current and future definitions of retirement will be and the variety of risks that may emerge.

The Society of Actuaries has worked with a variety of researchers, staff and key retirement actuaries in practice to conduct retirement risk surveys and provide a deep look at what generational differences have emerged, as well as how those differences vary by different demographics such as socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity (in the US) and emerging trends that retirement and pension actuaries can use in their work. The most current round of surveying will be highlighted to bring the work over the last 20 years into view with new and emerging trends.

This presentation will highlight the variety of retirement risks across key demographic groups and generations, and note how actuaries, plan sponsors and social programs are considering this information in their practice.