Nearly half of Americans who haven’t retired yet question whether they will ever fully retire. According to a study by Thrivent, 47% of non-retirees doubt complete retirement is possible. This skepticism arises from growing concerns about rising living costs, economic uncertainties, and the impact of artificial intelligence on future jobs.
Why Retirement Matters
Inflation and housing costs have strained the budgets of many Americans, making retirement security a major concern. Traditional retirement models suggested stopping work entirely around the mid-60s. Now, many expect to continue working in some form during retirement. This shift reflects how retirement is seen more as a transition rather than a complete halt.
“Workers in an office setting might believe they can continue working into old age,” noted Drew Powers, founder of Powers Financial Group. At the same time, a disappearing middle class makes comfortable retirement harder to imagine.
Current Retirement Sentiments
The Thrivent 2026 Retirement Expectations Survey reported that 58% of non-retirees remain confident about retiring from their main job as planned. However, the unchanged number from 2025 indicates a skepticism about retirement’s nature. Thrivent financial adviser Jason Rogoff explained that Americans face new questions about work and the economy, overshadowing retirement planning.
With 64% focused on immediate financial needs, few plan for retirement. “It’s hard to save for retirement when expenses take every spare dollar,” said finance expert Michael Ryan. Many have stopped or reduced savings, dipping into retirement funds to manage current costs.
Thrivent noted rising expenses and economic uncertainties as key factors affecting retirement plans. AI’s growth has also influenced perceptions of careers and financial security.
AI’s Impact on Retirement Worries
Concerns about AI’s impact on jobs are growing. Among non-retirees, 63% of Gen Z and 59% of millennials fear AI-related job losses could hurt their retirement. Comparatively, 49% of Gen X and baby boomers felt similarly. Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, highlighted that AI could necessitate rethinking funding for programs like Social Security.
Even retirees feel AI’s effects. About 30% stated AI-driven workforce changes hurt their retirement, up from 20% a year earlier.
Future of Retirement
As Congress debates Social Security and retirement programs, financial planners emphasize retirement readiness as a growing concern. Despite many workers’ confidence in retiring on schedule, more are preparing to continue some form of work due to financial needs or evolving retirement concepts.
“With higher living costs, extended lifespans, Social Security uncertainties, and the loss of traditional pensions, continuous employment or supplemental income has become a retirement reality,” explained Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The U.S. economy steadily adapts to the new norm of aging, where part-time work gains prevalence.