Gen Xers Approaching Retirement More Anxious Than Boomers

New Global Atlantic study highlights rising demand for income stability as pension safety nets fade and economic unease persists

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:05pm

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As the first wave of Gen X approaches retirement, many consumers are confronting a difficult transition: after decades focused on growing assets, they now must convert those savings into reliable income, often without the pension safety nets previous generations often relied on. A new Global Atlantic survey finds that retirement anxiety extends beyond market swings, with rising health care costs ranking as the top concern for both consumers and financial professionals surveyed.

Why it matters

The study highlights a meaningful shift in retirement readiness as the first wave of Gen X approaches retirement. Compared with Boomers, Gen X consumers reported higher levels of income anxiety, greater concern about Social Security, and a stronger likelihood of needing to work longer. Unlike prior generations that often relied on pension plans, many of today's near-retirees must create their own reliable income stream from accumulated savings, even while facing rising health care costs and economic uncertainty.

The details

The Global Atlantic 2026 Retirement Outlook Survey found that 28% of Gen X respondents said they are extremely or very concerned about having enough income to last their lifetime, compared with 14% of Boomers. Among those without pensions, 56% of Gen X reported some or absolute 'pension envy,' compared with 44% of Boomers. Nearly half (48%) of Gen Xers said they anticipated returning to work after retirement due to financial concerns, versus 21% of Boomers.

  • The Global Atlantic 2026 Retirement Outlook Survey was conducted online nationwide from November 21 to December 11, 2025.

The players

Global Atlantic

A leading provider of retirement security and investment solutions with operations in the U.S. and Bermuda. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm, Global Atlantic combines deep insurance expertise with KKR's powerful investment capabilities.

Jason Bickler

Co-Head Individual Markets at Global Atlantic.

Emily LeMay

Co-Head Individual Markets at Global Atlantic.

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What they’re saying

“The study highlights a meaningful shift in retirement readiness as the first wave of Gen X approaches retirement. Compared with Boomers, Gen X consumers reported higher levels of income anxiety, greater concern about Social Security, and a stronger likelihood of needing to work longer.”

— Jason Bickler, Co-Head Individual Markets at Global Atlantic

“An investment strategy isn't the same as an income plan. Our research shows many consumers have done a strong job building assets, but fewer have translated those assets into a clearly defined income strategy. As questions around Social Security and longevity persist, working with a financial professional to map out income needs and revisit that income plan as markets and life evolve, can help turn uncertainty into a more secure lifetime retirement path.”

— Emily LeMay, Co-Head Individual Markets at Global Atlantic

What’s next

The full findings of the Global Atlantic 2026 Retirement Outlook Survey are available on the company's website.

The takeaway

This study highlights the unique challenges facing the first wave of Gen X as they approach retirement, with higher levels of income anxiety, greater concern about Social Security, and a stronger likelihood of needing to work longer compared to previous generations. It underscores the importance of thoughtful, forward-looking retirement planning to help turn uncertainty into a more secure lifetime income stream.