State pension age of 70-plus by 2050 'inevitable'

clock

The state pension age is set to rise more quickly than anticipated, according to experts, after official statistics showed the extent to which life expectancy had increased over the last century.

Barnett Waddingham senior consultant Malcolm McLean said it appeared "inevitable" that people would not be able to draw their state pension until 70 at the earliest by 2050. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed life expectancy at birth has increased by nearly three years a decade, and that a 60-year-old could expect to live nine years longer today than 100 years ago. With the government intent on ensuring people spend a third of their life in retirement, McLean (pictured) believes the state retirement age will rise "much faster" than expected. He sai...

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

Pensions gender gap: A low-profile injustice that deserves more attention

Pensions gender gap: A low-profile injustice that deserves more attention

'Pensions are one of the few financial products where time is the single biggest driver of outcome'

Jessica Cook
clock 24 August 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers place focus on retirement support as providers lack 'meaningful' engagement

Advisers place focus on retirement support as providers lack 'meaningful' engagement

People’s Pension poll shows 54% of IFAs say providers struggle to create ‘meaningful’ engagement

Martin Richmond
clock 19 August 2026 • 3 min read
Pensioner poverty has risen for more than a decade, warns LCP

Pensioner poverty has risen for more than a decade, warns LCP

Single and divorced pensioners most affected and should be focus for future policy

Alex Levy
clock 18 August 2026 • 4 min read