Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: why so many people end up regretting retiring at 65.
On paper, it sounds perfect-work hard, save up, and then finally, at 65, you’re free to travel, play golf, and spend time with the grandkids.
But the reality? It’s usually more complicated than that.
The Retirement Plan That Looked Great
Meet Brian and Lynn. They’re both 61, and for years, they’ve been laser-focused on that magic number: 65. They’ve done everything right-saved around $2 million, maxed out their 401(k)s, and mapped out a future filled with adventure. Their plan? Retire at 65, hop on a plane to Europe, and finally check off all those bucket-list dreams.
But here’s the catch: while their financial plan looked solid on paper, it missed one big thing-healthy life expectancy.
Why Healthy Life Expectancy Matters
A lot of retirement plans assume you’ll be healthy and active well into your 80s. But the stats tell a different story. In the U.S., the average 65-year-old man can expect to live until about 82 or 83, and women until 85 or 86.
But what about the healthy years? Those usually last only until about 66. That means you might have a good 15-20 years left, but only a handful where you can truly make the most of them.
Healthy life expectancy (HALE) is defined as the average number of years a person can expect to live in good health, free from major illness or disability. This matters for retirement planning because it highlights the window during which you can actively enjoy retirement activities like traveling, sports, or spending time with family.
Think about it: if you wait until 70 to start traveling or hiking, your body might have other plans. And that’s where the regret creeps in-realizing you waited too long to do the things you love.
Life Changes in Retirement
Most financial plans assume your spending will stay the same or even go down as you age. But this conventional thinking is rarely how life actually plays out. Here’s the reality for most people:
- Your 60s and early 70s: These are the “go-go” years-travel, hobbies, new experiences.
- Mid-70s to 80s: Things start to slow down. You might not feel up for those big trips anymore.
- Late 80s and beyond: Health care and long-term care costs start to replace all that fun spending.
So if you wait too long to retire-–or to really enjoy your retirement–you might miss out on those active, healthy years.
What Can I Do Differently?
There’s no rule that says you have to fit the average. Healthy life expectancy is shaped by your choices. Staying active, eating well, and making time for the things you love can help you squeeze more good years out of retirement.
- Start doing what you love now. Don’t wait for retirement to pick up new hobbies or travel. Test-drive your retirement dreams while you’re still working, so you know what you actually enjoy-and you’re still healthy enough to do it.
- Consider retiring earlier–or working less. Many people keep working until 65 out of habit or fear, not because they have to. Running the numbers with a financial planner might show you that retiring at 62 or cutting back to part-time could give you more of your best years, without wrecking your long-term security.
- Prioritize your health. Investing in your health isn’t just about living longer–it’s about making sure those extra years are good ones. Exercise, eat well, and stay socially connected. It pays off now and down the road.
The Bottom Line
Financial security is important, but it’s not the whole picture. As you plan for retirement, don’t just ask yourself when you can retire, but ask when you should retire. Maybe you should begin making plans to start doing what you love today.
I’ve also seen how obsession with money can ruin your retirement. I sometimes need to tell clients to make sure their plan isn’t just about money, but about making the most of their healthiest, happiest years. The real goal isn’t money—it’s to have the health, freedom, and time to enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard for.
If you’re not sure how to make that happen, let’s talk. We can help you run the numbers and build a retirement that’s truly worth looking forward to.
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