- Retirement date not always as expected
- Fewer flocking south as snowbirds
As the aging population continues to grow in
"We know that the majority of Canadians do not have a retirement plan – and those who do are more prepared and confident," says
Retired Canadians called out three key misconceptions about retirement:
- Thinking you'll know your retirement date well in advance?
While more than half (55%) of pre-retirees aged 50+ expect to know their retirement date more than one year in advance, this was true for only 39% of retirees aged 50+… and 16% had no advance notice at all. - Expecting to winter in warmer climates as a snowbird when you retire?
Close to one-third (29%) of pre-retirees expect to be snowbirds, but only 18% of retirees are actually flocking south in the winter. Ranking higher for retirees: spending time with family (51%) and friends (48%). - Planning to return to work in retirement?
While half (50%) of pre-retirees plan to work in retirement, only 11% of retirees responded they actually had returned to full-time or part-time work. The main reasons why pre-retirees say they plan to go back to work: to stay active, mentally (64%) and physically (48%); to stave off boredom (44%); and to generate income (43%).
Lowes also stresses that it's never too late for Canadians in their 50s and into their 60s to set up retirement plans and make tax-smart decisions, to ensure they get the most out of their savings and investments when they retire.
"Perhaps the biggest myth of all is the fear that you've missed the chance to plan for your retirement," Lowes adds. "That's just not the case. Canadians are redefining retirement and there is a wide range of financial options to explore right up until the day you stop working."
RBC RETIREMENT MYTHS & REALITIES POLL – Regional Comparisons
RESPONSES | RETIREES (REALITIES) ----- PRE-RETIREES (EXPECTATIONS) | CAN | BC | AB |
SK/ MB * | ON | QC | AC * |
Spending time in retirement… as snowbirds | RETIREES | 18% | 19% | 32%* | 23% | 17% | 15% | 10% |
PRE-RETIREES | 29% | 23% | 31% | 39% | 30% | 28% | 30% | |
Spending time in retirement… with family (other than partner) | RETIREES | 51% | 45% | 54%* | 55% | 48% | 60% | 50% |
PRE-RETIREES | 48% | 51% | 49% | 49% | 48% | 47% | 46% | |
Spending time in retirement… with friends | RETIREES | 48% | 47% | 40%* | 48% | 46% | 50% | 58% |
PRE-RETIREES | 44% | 48% | 40% | 32% | 48% | 41% | 42% | |
Retirement date known more than 1 year in advance | RETIREES | 39% | 40% | 50%* | 37% | 38% | 44% | 29% |
PRE-RETIREES | 55% | 50% | 54% | 56% | 55% | 60% | 54% | |
No advance knowledge of retirement date | RETIREES | 16% | 18% | 15%* | 17% | 15% | 16% | 21% |
PRE-RETIREES | 9% | 10% | 11% | 14% | 7% | 10% | 7% | |
Yes, work in retirement | RETIREES | 11% | 11% | 10%* | 18% | 9% | 11% | 9% |
PRE-RETIREES | 50% | 57% | 53% | 58% | 50% | 37% | 55% |
* Small base size |
About the RBC Retirement Myths & Realities Poll
These are the findings of the most recent biennial RBC Retirement Myths and Realities Poll, conducted by Ipsos between
About RBC Retirement Planning Resources
The RBC Retirement Planning hub can help you plan for the 30 years or more you may spend in retirement. This website also includes links to financial planners/investment & retirement planners who can help you determine the retirement lifestyle you hope to live, the sources of income you'll be able to draw from when you retire and considerations to make before applying for your CPP/QPP. Our financial advice is complemented by a free service unique to RBC – MyAdvisor – where together clients and advisors together can add goals, create a plan and view and adjust a client's comprehensive financial picture. In addition, Boomerang from
About RBC
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
SOURCE
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