At a glance
- Only 21% now equate retirement with quitting work outright, and 60% describe the transition as gradual rather than a single milestone.
- The survey, conducted by Censuswide between August 4 and August 31, 2026, polled 2,001 U.S. adults aged 50 and older who are primary or shared household financial decision-makers, each with at least $100,000 in investable assets.
- Fifty-one percent of pre-retirees expect to retire later than originally planned, up from 45% in 2025.
Just over half of pre-retirees plan to semi-retire rather than stop working entirely, according to F&G Annuities & Life's fourth annual Retirement Reconsidered survey, released October 15. Only 21% now equate retirement with quitting work outright, and 60% describe the transition as gradual rather than a single milestone.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide between August 4 and August 31, 2026, polled 2,001 U.S. adults aged 50 and older who are primary or shared household financial decision-makers, each with at least $100,000 in investable assets. Fifty-three percent say the path to retirement is becoming more flexible, and nearly two-thirds view it as a chance to reinvent themselves entirely.
Fifty-one percent of pre-retirees expect to retire later than originally planned, up from 45% in 2025. Seventy-five percent have considered or are actively delaying their retirement date, up from 70%. Among those delaying, 52% cite fear of insufficient savings, up from 48% the year before. This publication covered the 75% delay figure when the survey landed.
F&G CEO and President Conor Murphy said, "Americans, no matter their savings or income bracket, aren't simply reconsidering when they retire; they're reconsidering what retirement itself looks like."
Social Security uncertainty is the top planning factor for respondents aged 50 and over, cited by 46%, followed by healthcare and long-term care costs at 43% and Medicare availability at 31%. InvestmentNews notes the Social Security Board of Trustees' 2026 report projects the program's trust funds running short of money by 2034.
A client who works part-time for five to eight years after a primary career ends has different cash flow, tax and Social Security timing needs than one who exits cleanly at 65, InvestmentNews says. For advisors, a two-state plan — working, then retired — no longer matches how these clients describe the years ahead. A client expecting part-time income has a claiming date and a Roth conversion window that depend on how much she keeps earning, not on a birthday.
Social Security is the top factor shaping retirement plans
Share of respondents aged 50+ citing each concern
- Social Security uncertainty46%
- Healthcare & long-term care costs43%
- Medicare availability31%
Show as table
| Item | Value (%) |
|---|---|
| Social Security uncertainty | 46% |
| Healthcare & long-term care costs | 43% |
| Medicare availability | 31% |
| Survey finding | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Plan to semi-retire rather than stop working | 51% | not reported |
| Expect to retire later than originally planned | 51% | 45% |
| Have considered or are actively delaying retirement | 75% | 70% |
| Among those delaying, cite fear of insufficient savings | 52% | 48% |
Reported by the Tax & estate planning desk from InvestmentNews. Published . Corrections