Fancy working into your 70s? State pension ages are rising and that will be the new reality for millions. If you want to choose when you retire, taking control of your own retirement planning is the only way.
The rise of the silver economy
‘The Rise of the Silver Economy’ report, released in April 2025 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urged governments to encourage fit, older workers to delay retirement. With public finances in crisis in many countries and ageing populations increasing the burden on the state, having fewer retirees to support is one way to balance public finances.
The IMF argues that ‘The 70s are the new 50s’, stating that today’s 70-somethings have the same cognitive function as the average 53-year-old in 2000, as well as increased physical function. Nevertheless, the proposal has met with protests from workers and trade unions.
While some older adults may choose to continue working into their 70s out of passion or personal fulfilment, the prospect of having to work longer due to financial necessity is a growing concern. For many, especially those in lower-income or physically demanding jobs, extended working lives will feel like an unwanted obligation.
The pensions goalposts are already changing
In May 2025, Denmark became the first European country to raise the retirement age to 70, the oldest in Europe. Danish citizens born after 31st December 1970 will not receive a state pension until they become septuagenarians.
The UK is also moving the pensions goalposts. In 2026, the State Pension age in the UK is set to increase from 66 to 67, as outlined in the Pensions Act of 2014. Under the same legislation, a further increase from 67 to 68 is scheduled to take place between 2044 and 2046, however, this is likely to be brought forward under the Pensions Act mandate to review the State Pension age every five years.
As governments respond to demographic pressures and fiscal challenges, further increases to the State Pension age appear inevitable. Millennials and Gen Zers who do not actively plan for retirement may face significantly longer working lives than Boomers.
The message is clear: the burden of future financial security is shifting increasingly to the individual.
Taking control of your future financial security
Whether you’d like to spend your retirement touring the world or you prefer to stay closer to home, indulging your passions or spending time with grandchildren, if you want freedom of choice over when and how to retire, you need to have a retirement plan aligned to your goals.
Relying solely on a state pension not only means giving up control over when you can retire, but also risks a retirement that lacks both comfort and financial stability.
That’s why it’s essential to start saving and investing towards your retirement.
Two key rules apply to retirement planning:
- Start as early as you can to benefit from compound interest
- Invest wisely to maximise your return within your parameters of risk
And when it comes to investing wisely, Infinity can help you make informed decisions tailored to your circumstances. Whether you’re just starting out or reassessing your financial strategy later in life, our advisers work with you to build a plan that reflects your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
We use cutting edge tools and cashflow analysis so that you’ll no longer need to wonder if you have enough money saved for retirement because you’ll have a clear, visual representation of your future finances.
Taking control of your financial future isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creating the freedom to live the life you dream of, on your terms. Let Infinity help you get there by setting up a discovery call today.
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