Why more older people are being forced to ‘unretire’

Business & FinancePersonal Finance
13 Apr 2026 • 2:32 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why more older people are being forced to ‘unretire’

  • A new survey reveals that a significant proportion of older people are being compelled to “unretire” as their post-work financial realities fall short of expectations.
  • One in six (16 per cent) retirees in the UK have either already re-entered employment (8 per cent) or are considering doing so (8 per cent).
  • Financial pressures are a primary driver, with 30 per cent reporting a worse standard of living and many admitting to underestimating the money needed for retirement or its potential duration.
  • Inflation has also significantly impacted retirees' spending power, particularly affecting those who retired before state pension age or without inflation-protected pensions.
  • Standard Life highlights that retirement is evolving into a more flexible journey, stressing the critical importance of proactive financial planning for long-term security.

IN FULL