
Retirement age is a highly personal decision that depends on a variety of factors, including financial stability, health, and work availability. In Australia, there is no official retirement age, but the Age Pension age, which is currently 67, serves as a reference point for many retirees. The average age of retirement in Australia has been steadily increasing, with recent retirees leaving the workforce at around 63 years old, and those who retired in 2022 averaging 64.8 years. Women tend to retire earlier than men, and retirees can expect to spend at least 25 years in retirement. With no one-size-fits-all answer, individuals must consider their unique circumstances when deciding on the right retirement age for themselves.
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What You'll Learn

There is no set retirement age in Australia
The average age of retirement in Australia has been rising steadily for decades, from 53.5 in 2000 to 64.8 in 2022, with women tending to retire before men on average. The average age at retirement for recent retirees (those who have retired in the last five years) is approximately 63 years. Most Australians will, therefore, spend at least 25 years in retirement.
The age at which you can access your superannuation savings is an important factor in deciding when to retire. You can access your super when you reach the age of 65. If you are under 65, you can also access your super if you reach preservation age (currently 60) and have retired from the workforce.
The Age Pension is the main income support payment available to support the basic living standards of older Australians. The age of eligibility for the Age Pension is currently 67. This is the age when you can access Australia's Age Pension, provided you're an Australian resident and you pass both the income and assets tests.
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The average retirement age is rising
While there is no set retirement age in Australia, the age at which people are retiring is increasing. The average age of retirement in Australia has risen steadily over the past two decades, from 53.5 in 2000 to 64.8 in 2022, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This trend towards retiring later is likely to continue.
There are a few reasons why people are delaying retirement. One key factor is financial concerns. With Australians living longer than ever, people need to ensure they have enough savings to support themselves in retirement. This is particularly important given that many retirees rely solely on the Age Pension, which currently stands at 67 years, to fund their later years. Other government benefits may be available to those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Age Pension.
Another factor influencing the rising retirement age is improved health outcomes. People are staying healthier for longer, which means they are able to continue working if they choose to. Greater workforce flexibility is also allowing for a gradual transition into retirement, with some people choosing to work part-time or access their superannuation while still employed.
The average age of retirement varies between men and women. According to ABS figures, women retire around five years earlier than men, although this gap is narrowing as women retire later than in previous years. In the 2022-23 financial year, the average age of retirement for women was 64.8 years, while for men it was 65.4 years.
While the decision to retire is a personal one, it is important to consider financial security when planning for retirement. This includes thinking about when you can afford to retire and how you will support yourself financially after leaving work.
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Age Pension eligibility is 67
There is no set retirement age in Australia, but Age Pension eligibility is 67. This is the age when you can access Australia's Age Pension, provided you're an Australian resident and pass both the income and assets tests. The starting age for the Age Pension has gradually increased since 2017, and while the government currently has no plans to raise it further, this may change in the future.
The Age Pension is the main income support payment available to older Australians, supporting their basic living standards. It is currently the main source of income for most retirees, supplementing the income of around 65% of retirees.
You can access your superannuation years before the Age Pension. Australians can retire with their super from the age of 60, though this depends on the year you were born. This is called your preservation age. If you are under 65, you cannot generally access your superannuation savings unless you have reached your preservation age and retired from the workforce.
The average age of retirement in Australia has been rising steadily for decades, from 53.5 in 2000 to 64.8 in 2022. The average age of recent retirees (those who have retired in the last five years) is approximately 63 years. The average age people intend to retire is 65.4 years.
Retirement is a personal decision that depends on when you can financially support the lifestyle you want. Many people do not choose when they retire, but their decision is forced by circumstances such as health issues or redundancy.
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Preservation age is 60
While there is no set retirement age in Australia, the preservation age, which is the age when you can access your superannuation, is an important factor to consider when planning your retirement. As of July 1, 2024, the preservation age in Australia is 60 years for those born on or after July 1, 1964. This means that if you were born on or after this date, you can generally access your superannuation when you reach the age of 60, provided you have also met a condition of release, such as retiring or turning 65.
It is worth noting that the preservation age is different from the Age Pension age. The Age Pension age is currently 67 years, and this is the age when you can access the government's Age Pension, provided you meet certain eligibility criteria, such as income and asset tests. The Age Pension age has been gradually increasing since 2017, and while there are no plans for further increases at present, this may change in the future.
The preservation age and the Age Pension age are two key age rules that impact when most Australians can retire. By reaching the preservation age, individuals can access their superannuation and begin planning their retirement. However, it is important to note that accessing your superannuation before reaching the Age Pension age may result in a longer wait to receive the Age Pension.
Additionally, individuals can choose to ease into retirement by utilising a transition to retirement pension, which allows them to access a portion of their superannuation while continuing to work. This option provides flexibility and can be beneficial for those who want to gradually reduce their working hours or transition to a less demanding role.
When planning for retirement, it is important to consider your personal circumstances, financial situation, and retirement goals. Seeking professional advice can help you navigate the different rules and options available to ensure you make the most informed decisions for your retirement journey.
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Retirement is influenced by work availability, health, and financial comfort
Retirement age in Australia is influenced by several factors, including work availability, health, and financial comfort. While there is no set retirement age, the average retirement age has been steadily increasing over the years, with recent retirees (those who have retired in the last five years) averaging 63 years.
Work availability can play a significant role in retirement decisions. Some individuals may choose to continue working past traditional retirement ages to maintain financial stability or for the sense of purpose it provides. Others may be forced to retire earlier than planned due to redundancy or health issues. According to a 2019 survey, 50% of Australians cited work availability and health reasons as key factors in their retirement considerations.
Financial comfort is a critical aspect of retirement planning. Those with a secure income for life tend to have higher levels of financial comfort than those with market-linked retirement savings. Annuities, for instance, can provide a regular income for life or a chosen investment term, offering peace of mind and confidence in retirement. Additionally, the Age Pension, currently set at age 67, serves as a vital income support for older Australians, either as their main source of income or as a supplement.
The average age of retirement in Australia has risen from 53.5 in 2000 to 64.8 in 2022, with women tending to retire one to two years before men. This trend towards retiring later is expected to continue due to improved health outcomes, greater workforce flexibility, and higher average levels of education leading to less physically demanding work.
Retirement planning requires careful consideration of various factors, including work availability, health, and financial comfort. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, by addressing these key influences, individuals can make informed decisions about when to retire and how to achieve financial security during their golden years.
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Frequently asked questions
The average retirement age in Australia has been rising steadily for decades, from 53.5 in 2000 to 64.8 in 2022. The average age at retirement for recent retirees (those who have retired in the last five years) is approximately 63 years.
There is no official retirement age in Australia. However, the eligibility age for the Age Pension is 67.
The answer to this question depends on your personal circumstances and financial situation. According to a recent National Seniors Australia report, people with a secure income for life have higher levels of financial comfort than those with market-linked retirement savings. Other factors to consider include health issues, work availability, and access to your super.









































