Retirement today is about more than stopping work

It is about feeling ready for the life you want to live. 

For many of us, retirement is one of the biggest life transitions we’ll ever experience. With average life expectancy in the early 80s, many people will now live the reality of a 25-year retirement.  Some people plan to stop work completely. Others expect a more gradual transition, balancing work, family, hobbies, volunteering or new ambitions. 

Speaking with people across Ireland about their retirement beliefs, expectations and experiences, we know that financial, social and mindset readiness help shape a fulfilling retirement.

Research referenced is conducted by 3Gem and Red C on behalf of Standard Life. Findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 5,356 adults in Ireland across 2025, alongside qualitative research with 48 adults aged 55+.

Exploring your retirement readiness

We want to help you visualise your retirement so you can begin to understand how retirement ready you are. 

This quick exercise is designed to help you consider how financially, socially and mindset ready you are for the life you want to live. Because when you know the life you're planning for, it's easier to see how you’ll make it a reality.