Smarter than the average: There is no such thing as a 'typical' retiree

Smarter than the average: There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ retiree

clock

There is no such thing as an ‘average retiree', writes Duncan Robertson. Relying on general assumptions in key areas such as life expectancy cannot work for clients

What does it mean to be ‘average' these days? According to a report, last year from the Office of National Statistics, the average Briton will leave work at 5.22pm, having sent 26 emails and made 20 phone calls. Furthermore, the average Briton is expected to take two holidays each year, visit a total of seven different countries outside the UK in their lifetime (with France and Spain at the top of the list) and donate £100 a year to charity. Now, how fitting is that description of you? Despite being a description of the average person, chances are that it's very unlikely that you'll m...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Guaranteed income integration critical to guided retirement success

Guaranteed income integration critical to guided retirement success

Research finds annuitisation rates of 55% to 60% are possible without compulsion

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 16 September 2026 • 5 min read
DWP seeks small pension pot default consolidator solution

DWP seeks small pension pot default consolidator solution

Government aims to have small pot consolidation operational from 2030

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 15 September 2026 • 2 min read
Adviser chases Hartley Pensions for ten months over clients' SSAS transfer

Adviser chases Hartley Pensions for ten months over clients' SSAS transfer

Takes case to The Pensions Ombudsman

clock 10 September 2026 • 2 min read