What Do Retirees Miss Most and Least About Pre-Retirement Life?

CHICAGO, Aug. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Even after working for the majority of their adult lives, current retirees still miss a great deal about the workplace. 

In a recent survey conducted by Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement(SM) (CSR), 300 retirees between ages 55 to 75 with an annual household income between $25,000 and $75,000 were asked a variety of open-ended questions about what they have learned since retirement.

When asked what they miss most about their pre-retirement life, a majority (65 percent) said they missed the daily interactions with their co-workers.  One respondent said they missed the "camaraderie and regiment setting of a work environment."  Many others said they miss having a paycheck most because they had to cut back on non-essentials due to a lack of funds.  Other responses included missing their job or profession, their responsibility at work, travel and the feeling of being productive.

However, for all of the things current retirees miss about their previous work life, there were plenty of things that they did not miss at all. 

1. Stress at work
   "The grind of working and the stress of trying to hustle for a buck."
2. Getting up early
   "Getting up at 6:30, showering and dressing and leaving home before 7:30 am!"
3. Dealing with bosses
   "Dealing with crazy management."
4. My job
   "Business, business!"
5. Commute
   "Driving through traffic to get to my job."

The lack of set work demands also created a number of lifestyle surprises for those just out of the workforce.  The biggest positive lifestyle surprises respondents noted were having lots of free time to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.  However, the most common negative surprises were not having enough money to follow through with those dreams.

"The ability to do whatever and whenever you want in retirement doesn't have to be wishful thinking," said Chris Campbell, vice president of marketing and business development at Bankers Life and Casualty Company, a national life and health insurer.  "Take steps now to improve your financial security. Consider speaking with a professional advisor to create a financial plan that supports the retirement lifestyle you want."  

So, other than their home, where are today's retirees spending most of their time?  Here's a look at the top five responses: 

1. Outdoor Activities— 32%
2. Volunteering— 13%  
3. Fitness Centers— 10%                                             
4. Place of Worship— 9%
5. Visiting with Family and Friends— 6%

Methodology
The Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement's survey series Listening to Middle-Income Americans was conducted in April 2012 by the independent research firm The Blackstone Group.  Excerpts from the report can be viewed at www.CenterForASecureRetirement.com

A nationwide sample of 300 retirees ages 55 to 75 who have an annual household income of between $25,000 and $75,000 participated in the Internet-based survey.  Significant sub-sample differences were tested at the 95% confidence level.

About the Center for a Secure Retirement
The Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement is the Company's research and consumer education program.  Its studies and consumer awareness campaigns provide insight and practical advice for how everyday Americans can achieve financial security during retirement.

Established in 1879 in Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses on the insurance needs of the retirement market.  The nationwide company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO), offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and annuities designed especially for retirees.  To learn more, visit Bankers online at www.bankers.com

SOURCE Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement