Athene Survey Finds Sandwich Generation’s Retirement Plans Affected by Intergenerational Caregiving
Athene's recent survey reveals significant challenges facing the Sandwich Generation (ages 40-59) who support both adult children and elderly relatives. 73% of respondents have modified their retirement plans, with 34% delaying retirement and 22% using retirement assets to support family.
The study highlights concerning trends: only 24% have a written retirement plan, while 30% worry about future dependency on their children. Among those supporting older family members, 83% report their relatives depend on Social Security, yet only 14% have annuities for guaranteed retirement income.
The survey exposed gender disparities, with women reporting higher financial strain (53% vs. 40% for men) and lower rates of financial planning. Women were less likely to seek professional financial advice (36% vs. 57%) or have written retirement plans (19% vs. 30%). Notably, 90% of respondents working with financial professionals reported positive impacts on their financial future.
Un recente sondaggio di Athene evidenzia sfide significative per la Generazione Sandwich (età 40-59) che sostiene sia figli adulti che parenti anziani. Il 73% degli intervistati ha modificato i propri piani pensionistici, con un 34% che ha posticipato il pensionamento e un 22% che utilizza i risparmi pensionistici per supportare la famiglia.
Lo studio mette in luce tendenze preoccupanti: solo il 24% ha un piano pensionistico scritto, mentre il 30% teme una futura dipendenza dai propri figli. Tra chi sostiene parenti anziani, l’83% dichiara che i familiari dipendono dalla Previdenza Sociale, ma solo il 14% dispone di rendite vitalizie per un reddito pensionistico garantito.
Il sondaggio ha evidenziato disparità di genere, con le donne che riportano maggiori difficoltà finanziarie (53% contro il 40% degli uomini) e tassi più bassi di pianificazione finanziaria. Le donne sono meno propense a cercare consulenza finanziaria professionale (36% contro il 57%) o ad avere un piano pensionistico scritto (19% contro il 30%). Da notare che il 90% degli intervistati che si avvalgono di professionisti finanziari ha riscontrato effetti positivi sul proprio futuro economico.
Una encuesta reciente de Athene revela desafíos importantes para la Generación Sandwich (edades 40-59) que apoya tanto a hijos adultos como a familiares mayores. El 73% de los encuestados ha modificado sus planes de jubilación, con un 34% que ha retrasado su retiro y un 22% que utiliza activos de jubilación para apoyar a la familia.
El estudio destaca tendencias preocupantes: solo el 24% tiene un plan de jubilación por escrito, mientras que el 30% teme depender en el futuro de sus hijos. Entre quienes apoyan a familiares mayores, el 83% informa que sus parientes dependen de la Seguridad Social, pero solo el 14% cuenta con rentas vitalicias para un ingreso garantizado en la jubilación.
La encuesta reveló disparidades de género, con mujeres que reportan mayor tensión financiera (53% frente al 40% de los hombres) y menores tasas de planificación financiera. Las mujeres son menos propensas a buscar asesoría financiera profesional (36% frente al 57%) o a tener un plan de jubilación escrito (19% frente al 30%). Cabe destacar que el 90% de los encuestados que trabajan con profesionales financieros reportaron impactos positivos en su futuro económico.
Athene의 최근 조사에 따르면 샌드위치 세대(40-59세)는 성인 자녀와 노년 친척을 동시에 부양하는 데 상당한 어려움을 겪고 있습니다. 응답자의 73%가 은퇴 계획을 변경했으며, 그중 34%는 은퇴를 연기했고 22%는 은퇴 자산을 가족 지원에 사용하고 있습니다.
조사 결과 우려스러운 경향이 드러났습니다: 단지 24%만이 서면 은퇴 계획을 가지고 있으며, 30%는 미래에 자녀에게 의존할 것을 걱정합니다. 노년 가족을 부양하는 사람들 중 83%는 친척들이 사회보장에 의존한다고 보고했으나, 14%만이 보장된 은퇴 소득을 위한 연금을 보유하고 있습니다.
조사는 성별 격차도 드러냈는데, 여성은 남성(40%)보다 더 높은 재정적 부담(53%)을 보고했고, 재정 계획 수립 비율도 낮았습니다. 여성은 전문가의 재정 상담을 받는 비율(36%)이 남성(57%)보다 적었으며, 서면 은퇴 계획을 가진 비율도 낮았습니다(19% 대 30%). 특히, 재정 전문가와 함께 일하는 응답자의 90%가 재정적 미래에 긍정적인 영향을 경험했다고 답했습니다.
Une récente enquête d'Athene révèle des défis importants pour la Génération Sandwich (âgée de 40 à 59 ans) qui soutient à la fois des enfants adultes et des parents âgés. 73% des répondants ont modifié leurs plans de retraite, avec 34% qui ont retardé leur départ à la retraite et 22% utilisant leurs actifs de retraite pour soutenir leur famille.
L'étude met en évidence des tendances préoccupantes : seulement 24% disposent d’un plan de retraite écrit, tandis que 30% craignent une dépendance future envers leurs enfants. Parmi ceux qui soutiennent des membres âgés de la famille, 83% rapportent que leurs proches dépendent de la Sécurité sociale, mais seulement 14% ont des rentes viagères garantissant un revenu à la retraite.
L’enquête révèle des disparités entre les sexes, les femmes signalant une pression financière plus élevée (53% contre 40% chez les hommes) et des taux plus faibles de planification financière. Les femmes sont moins enclines à consulter un conseiller financier professionnel (36% contre 57%) ou à avoir un plan de retraite écrit (19% contre 30%). Notamment, 90% des répondants travaillant avec des professionnels financiers ont constaté des effets positifs sur leur avenir financier.
Eine aktuelle Umfrage von Athene zeigt erhebliche Herausforderungen für die Sandwich-Generation (Alter 40-59), die sowohl erwachsene Kinder als auch ältere Angehörige unterstützt. 73% der Befragten haben ihre Rentenpläne angepasst, wobei 34% den Ruhestand verschieben und 22% Rentenvermögen zur Familienunterstützung nutzen.
Die Studie hebt besorgniserregende Trends hervor: Nur 24% verfügen über einen schriftlichen Rentenplan, während 30% sich Sorgen über eine zukünftige Abhängigkeit von ihren Kindern machen. Unter denen, die ältere Familienmitglieder unterstützen, geben 83% an, dass ihre Angehörigen auf Sozialleistungen angewiesen sind, doch nur 14% haben Rentenversicherungen für ein garantiertes Einkommen im Ruhestand.
Die Umfrage zeigte geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede: Frauen berichten von höherer finanzieller Belastung (53% gegenüber 40% bei Männern) und geringerer Finanzplanung. Frauen suchen seltener professionelle Finanzberatung (36% gegenüber 57%) oder haben schriftliche Rentenpläne (19% gegenüber 30%). Bemerkenswert ist, dass 90% der Befragten, die mit Finanzexperten zusammenarbeiten, positive Auswirkungen auf ihre finanzielle Zukunft berichten.
- 90% positive impact reported from working with financial professionals
- Clear identification of financial challenges facing the Sandwich Generation
- Comprehensive data on retirement planning and financial support patterns
- 73% having to adjust retirement goals
- Only 24% have written retirement plans
- Significant gender disparity in financial planning and strain
- High dependence on Social Security among older family members
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa , April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new survey conducted by Athene of the Sandwich Generation, defined as people aged 40-59 who provide financial or caregiving support to both adult children and elderly relatives, found that nearly three quarters (
- Delaying retirement (
34% ) - Using retirement assets to support their family (
22% ) - Not planning to retire at all (
9% )
“As the retirement age population in the U.S. grows, the Sandwich Generation represents the next wave in America’s retirement crisis, with potential long-term implications for individuals, families and the economy,” said Mike Downing, Athene Chief Operating Officer.
Although the Sandwich Generation’s average age of expected retirement is 65, only
“Many retirees don't have the luxury of assuming that the traditional ‘three legs’ of the retirement stool – social security, savings and investments, and workplace pensions – will fully secure their retirement,” said Downing. “Early preparation has never been more important.”
Among respondents who support older family members who have an income source,
Guaranteed Income Can Support Financial Confidence
Among respondents who say they are not completely confident in their ability to provide support to family, approximately two-thirds (
- Increased savings and investments (
43% ) - Support from other family members (
42% ) - Lower debt (
38% )
Guaranteed income is one tool available through a financial professional that can help the Sandwich Generation manage the financial aspects of caregiving and plan for retirement. Importantly, respondents who had already incorporated guaranteed income into their financial strategies tended to have higher incomes, and reported more confidence, less stress and greater preparedness for retirement.
“As Americans face the financial responsibility of supporting their families, strategies to diversify their sources of income in retirement are more critical than ever,” said Downing. “Understanding your options and creating a plan are the most effective steps to balance the dual responsibilities of supporting family and securing your retirement.”
Significant Caregiving Impact on Women
Athene’s survey found that caregiving for adult children and elderly relatives affected women in the Sandwich Generation disproportionately, with women surveyed reporting higher levels of financial strain than men (
- Seek advice from a financial professional (
36% vs.57% ) - Have a written retirement plan (
19% vs.30% ) - Discuss financial planning with elderly relatives (
57% vs.68% )
Financial Professional Support Critical
A trusted financial professional can help devise solutions. An overwhelming majority (
Although the majority of respondents (
About Athene
Athene is the leading retirement services company, with over
Contact:
Alyssa Castelli
Director, External Relations
+1 (646) 768-7304
Alyssa.castelli@athene.com
1 Athene contracted Harris Poll to survey 1,024 adults aged 40-59 who provide financial support to at least one adult child (aged 18 and out of high school) living in their home without significantly contributing to household expenses, and who provide financial or caregiving support to at least one elderly relative. The survey was conducted between January 2, 2025 and January 19, 2025.
FAQ
How many Sandwich Generation members are delaying retirement according to Athene's 2025 survey?
What percentage of the Sandwich Generation has a written retirement plan?
How does financial strain differ between men and women in the Sandwich Generation?
What percentage of older family members rely on Social Security according to the Athene survey?
How many Sandwich Generation members report positive outcomes from working with financial professionals?
