The most common health-related activities include healthy eating, regular exercise and getting enough sleep but even among those, just half or barely above half do so. Image: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffA report says the trend of workers expecting to work to more advanced ages, or to never retire completely at all, is continuing in 2025 but many are not taking the personal and career steps that would help them achieve that expectation.
The TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies says that of those now employed in a poll, only 31 percent expect to retire before age 65, another 22 percent at that age, another 11 percent between 65 and 69, 24 percent at 70 or above, and 12 percent don’t expect to retire at all. In addition, 53 percent of those who expect to retire expect to do at least some work in retirement—including 16 percent who expect to work full-time.
“The most often cited financial reason is wanting the income,” it said. Thirty-three percent of workers said they don’t expect that they will be able to afford to retire, and only 24 percent said they are very confident they will be able to live their desired retirement lifestyle. Nine percent said they are “not at all confident” while 20 percent said they are “not too confident” and the rest were “somewhat” confident.
Says the report, “Employed workers envision extending their working years and fully retiring at an older age, a solution that could bring income and more time to save . . . Unfortunately, many are not taking adequate steps to be able to do so. For example, just 58% are focused on staying healthy so they can continue working and only 48% indicate they are keeping their job skills up to date,” it said.
Focus on health
The most common health-related activities include healthy eating, regular exercise and getting enough sleep but even among those, just half or barely above half do so. Fewer take steps such as managing stress and getting routine physicals and getting recommended vaccinations.
Similarly, less than half take steps to enable their continued working such as keeping job skills up to date, networking and meeting new people, taking classes to learn new skills and staying informed about the employment market and potential opportunities.
The latter issue may be growing in importance, since 13 percent are meanwhile very worried that robotics and artificial intelligence will make their current skills irrelevant, with another 29 percent “somewhat” worried, 35 percent “not too” worried and the rest not worried.
Notes for federal employees
Phased retirement/part-time options: Where offered, phased retirement or part-time career employment can extend service while beginning partial annuity and mentoring. Availability is agency-dependent.
Reemployment as an annuitant: Some agencies use reemployed annuitants for surge/knowledge-transfer needs (salary-offset rules and waivers vary).
TSP & benefits: Continue regular and catch-up contributions while working; longer service and a higher “high-3” can materially improve the annuity. Coordinate FEHB/Medicare choices as you approach 65.
Here are a few steps and considerations to staying in the game in general
Health & capacity: Target 150 minutes/week moderate cardio + 2 days/week strength; address chronic pain early (PT/OT). The saying “move it or lose it” becomes more meaningful as we age.
Skills & relevance: Be a life-long learner and build manageable up-skilling habits into your routine.
Job design: Propose phased hours, seasonal work peaks, remote/hybrid days, or reduced travel. Document how changes sustain performance and knowledge transfer (mentoring, SOPs).
Bridge jobs: Shorter-hours roles, project/fixed-term assignments, or advisory/mentoring positions preserve income and engagement.
Self-employment: If consulting, secure appropriate business and professional liability coverage; build a 6–12 month cash buffer.
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See also,
Legal: How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
Alternative Federal Retirement Options; With Chart
Primer: Early out, buyout, reduction in force (RIF)
Retention Standing, ‘Bump and Retreat’ and More: Report Outlines RIF Process
FERS Retirement Guide 2025 – Your Roadmap to Maximizing Federal Retirement Benefits
