Summary
This document is a study report titled 'The Four Pillars of the New Retirement: What a Difference a Year Makes,' conducted by Edward Jones and Age Wave in June 2021. The report outlines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retirement perceptions and planning among Americans. It introduces a framework consisting of four essential pillars—health, family, purpose, and finances—critical for optimizing well-being in retirement. The study highlights significant findings from tracking surveys conducted in March 2021 and December 2020, revealing how attitudes towards retirement have shifted during the pandemic. It discusses the challenges faced by retirees, including altered retirement timing and disrupted savings, while also noting a growing optimism among retirees about their future. The report emphasizes the importance of purpose in retirement and the interdependence of the four pillars for achieving overall well-being. It concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of retirement in light of recent societal changes.
