Approaching 65: A Survey of Boomers Turning 65 Years Old

For many demographers and social scientists, the long-awaited year has arrived. Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011, more than 7,000 people will turn 65 years old every single day. AARP's survey of boomers turning 65 in 2011 finds this first wave of the boomer generation generally satisfied with their lives and optimistic about the next third of life.  Financial security and improving their health are top concerns; these issues affect their outlook now, how they feel about the future, and what plans they are making. In a few respects, boomers turning 65 have age-related concerns similar to their parents when they were 65. Like their parents, they want to age in place, and have found that aging often presents chronic health conditions and financial responsibilities that influence how they will live the last third of life. But in one very important respect, boomers turning 65 are different from their parents — the baby boom generation has redefined what retirement means. When their parents entered retirement, it was considered a time that might feature travel, relaxation and enjoyment but little work outside of an avocation. Boomers overall and many of those turning 65 consider work to be part of retirement, and a significant percentage say that they never will consider themselves retired. … Back to Article