Preretirees ’ Perception Of Retirement Income

Women, and unmarried women in particular, may be at risk of a financially insecure retirement. This exploratory study examines how gender is related to the type and number of retirement income sources pre-retirees age 50-70 expect. The effects of marital status, household income, education, age, community size, and health, on 10 retirement sources were analyzed. Income was the variable most related to the total number of retirement income sources. The model was more predictive for women than men. Women’s employment, marital status, and social role as primary caregiver all point to different knowledge of, and expectations for, their retirement income. Key Words: Retirement, Financial well-being, Gender, Financial planning The numbers of very old people in the United States is growing rapidly (Rowe, 1997, 367). The health status of the elderly has improved steadily since 1982, resulting in older persons living longer independently. Increasing longevity, a declining birth rate, and the aging of the large cohort of baby boomers have all contributed to this increase. Financial planners and policy makers hav