Security in Retirement: The impact of housing and key critical life events

This research examines the wealth holdings of men and women at midlife (40–64 years old) and those who have recently retired, and the impact of some key life events in shaping that wealth. Approaching retirement and retirement itself can be a stressful and insecure time if the resources are not available for achieving a modest lifestyle in retirement. This study evaluates the degree to which households are financially ready for retirement and in particular the impacts of partnering and divorce/separation on this readiness. Such critical events may have major effects on the ability to obtain and remain in home ownership and hence maintain a modest lifestyle and avoid housing problems.