Is it true that you are Prepared For Retirement

 Is it true that you are Prepared For Retirement?

The question of retirement preparedness has become increasingly important in recent years due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the recession it triggered. As millions of jobs were lost, older workers were hit the hardest, and concerns about retirement security have been brought to the forefront. In this article, we will explore various aspects of retirement preparedness, including the challenges faced by different generations, the importance of saving for retirement, and the potential need for policy changes to address these issues.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Retirement Preparedness

Job Losses and Older Workers

The first two months of the pandemic saw a record 23 million jobs lost, with older workers, aged 55 and above, suffering the most significant impact. Although the unemployment rate has since fallen to pre-pandemic levels as of April 2022, the labor force participation rate for older workers remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Retirement System Resiliency

In light of these concerns, Wharton's Pension Research Council (PRC) hosted a two-day symposium titled "Real-World Shocks and Retirement System Resiliency" in April 2022. The event featured experts from public institutions, academia, and research organizations discussing various aspects of retirement preparedness.

According to Wharton professor Olivia S. Mitchell, the executive director of the PRC, the long-term effects of these shocks will force individuals to save more, work longer, and potentially expect less from their retirement. Research presented at the symposium highlighted that older workers are now retiring at higher rates than before the pandemic, with those aged 62 and above driving unemployment trends in their age group.

Challenges Faced by Older Workers in Retirement

Age Discrimination and Job Loss

Older workers who become unemployed face several challenges, such as age discrimination when looking for new jobs. Research shows that the probability of age discrimination increases during recessions, and the effectiveness of age discrimination protections decreases.

Early Social Security Claims and Lower Retirement Income

Additionally, older individuals retiring between the ages of 62 and 64 are more likely to depend on early claims of Social Security income. These early claims, coupled with actuarial adjustments, lock early retirees into lower retirement income.

Health Concerns and Lower Survival Rates

Covid-19 health concerns are particularly relevant for older workers, as the risk of complications and death increases with age. Research shows that higher unemployment rates for people in their late 50s or early 60s are associated with lower survival rates at older ages. This is possibly due to lower rates of employment, lower levels of health insurance coverage, and higher health care usage during those ages, especially before individuals become eligible for Medicare.

Retirement and Unretirement Trends

Retirement During Economic Contractions

According to research presented at the PRC symposium, transitions to either full or partial retirement increase during economic contractions. Retired workers are also less likely to return to the labor market during recessions, magnifying the impact on labor force participation for older workers.

Retirement Stickiness

Data from the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) shows that retirement is generally stickier than unretirement, with about 70% of older workers who enter partial retirement never returning to work. Age and income are the main drivers of unretirement, with younger and higher-income workers more likely to rejoin the workforce.