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USA Today, UnitedHealthcare and The National Council on Aging recently conducted a poll to find how the older generation in America views its financial and personal status. The United States of Aging poll surveyed 2,250 Americans age 60 years or older.
There are 42.3 million Americans age 65 and older as the first wave of Baby Boomers enter the retirement years, according to the 2010 Census. That number is predicted to increase to 89 million by 2050.
So how do senior citizens view their lifestyles in today’s turbulent economic times? According to the poll, 42 percent say the past year of their lives has been normal, while 45 percent believe their lifestyles will remain the same during the next five to 10 years. Thirty-five percent are confident that they are set financially for the remainder of their lives, while 34 percent are “very confident” they have saved and invested wisely.
How to localize:
Find retirees in your community and go beyond the normal interview to get their stories. Follow them for a few days to better understand their lifestyles. What is their daily routine? How do they view retirement and their future on a fixed income? What are their concerns? Photo galleries and video will enhance this in-depth look at life in the retirement years.
Include individuals and/or couples at different spots on the retirement spectrum. Find retirees who are secure in their retirement, those who are getting by and those who are struggling. What type of assistance programs exist in the community to help those who are worried about making ends meet?
Research the number of retirement and senior-assisted living facilities in your community along with the costs involved.
Talk with local investment firms and financial advisers to get their insights on the pitfalls of retirement funds in today’s economic environment. What are some of the strategies Baby Boomers can use to safeguard their retirement funds? What recommendations do advisers have for those preparing for retirement in the next five to 10 years?
