Every day during this year, more than 7,000 boomers will turn 65 years old. AARP's December survey of boomers turning 65 in 2011 finds the first wave boomers are, for the most part, satisfied with their lives now and optimistic about the future.
Among the top concerns for these boomers are financial security and improving their health. Some boomers turning 65 have age-related concerns similar to ones their parents experienced when they were 65. They have found, like their parents, they want to age in place, and chronic health conditions and financial responsibilities will influence how they will live the last third of life.
But the soon-to-be 65-year-olds differ from their parents in one important aspect: retirement. The survey shows baby boomers overall and many of those turning 65 consider work to be part of retirement, and a significant percentage say they never will consider themselves retired.
Other key findings are:
Seventy-eight percent of those turning 65 this year say they are satisfied with how their lives are going today. Five years ago, 77 percent of boomers said they were satisfied.
