Retirement means different things to different people—travel, time with family, starting a business, or giving back through charity. No matter your vision, here are nine surprising facts about retirement.
- Retirement age of 65 originated in Germany, which lowered it from 70.¹
- 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day—about one person every eight seconds.²
- The 65+ population is one of the fastest-growing demographics, projected to reach 82 million by 2050.³
- Ernest Ackerman was the first Social Security recipient in 1937, receiving 17¢ after paying 5¢ in payroll tax.⁴
- 78% of retirees say they are confident they’ll have enough to live comfortably.⁵
- The median cost of assisted living is about $6,000/month; 7 in 10 people will require extended care.²
- 66% of retirees depend on Social Security as a major income source. The average monthly benefit in January 2025 was $1,907.⁵ ⁶
- There are currently 108,000 centenarians in the U.S. By 2053, this number may rise to 513,000.⁷
- Seniors 65+ spend over 4 hours daily watching TV on average.⁸
Conclusion
These trends highlight how the 65+ group is becoming larger and more influential. Have you made arrangements for healthcare and retirement income? If not, it may be time to develop a solid strategy for the future.
Sources:
- SSA.gov, 2025
- Genworth.com, 2025
- PRB.org, Jan 2024
- Social Security Administration, 2025
- EBRI.org, 2025
- SSA.gov, 2025
- PewResearch.org, Jan 2024
- BLS.gov, 2025
Disclaimer:
The content is developed from sources believed to be accurate. It is not intended as tax or legal advice and may not be used to avoid federal tax penalties. Please consult professionals for advice regarding your specific situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state-, or SEC-registered advisory firm. Opinions expressed are for general information only and not a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
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