What shapes the quality of life in retirement?

About 18% of U.S. adults, nearly one in five, are now age 65 or older, and new national survey data offers one of the clearest pictures yet of what shapes their quality of life. 

According to a major Pew Research Center study conducted Sept. 2–8, 2025, older Americans’ views on how well they are aging hinge on a mix of health, finances, cognitive sharpness, social support, and how they spend their time.

Across nearly every measure, higher income levels are associated with better aging outcomes. Older adults with upper incomes report stronger physical and mental health, greater cognitive stability, and vastly more confidence in their retirement finances than their middle- or lower-income peers.

• 61% of upper-income older adults say they are aging “extremely or very well,” compared with 51% of middle-income and 39% of lower-income adults.
• Nearly half (49%) of those in the upper tier rate their physical health as excellent or very good—about double the share of lower-income adults (26%).
• Upper-income adults are more than three times as likely as lower-income adults to feel confident their income and assets will last through retirement (72% vs. 21%).

Income also shapes daily life. Older adults with upper incomes are more likely to socialize frequently, pursue hobbies, take part in community activities, and even remain employed full time.

Health is stronger mentally and physically

While six in ten adults, ages 65 and older, say their mental health is excellent or very good, only 37% say the same about their physical health. And many face age-related challenges:

• 24% experience mental confusion or memory loss at least sometimes.
• 22% say everyday physical activities—such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries—are difficult.
• These issues rise sharply with age: adults 80 and older are far more likely than those 65–79 to report cognitive difficulties.

Despite these hurdles, most older adults remain independent: Only 16% say they need help managing daily tasks or personal care.

Older Americans generally hold a positive outlook on their social and emotional lives:

• 70% say they have people they can turn to for support most of the time.
• 65% say they rarely or never feel lonely or isolated.
• 66% say they feel optimistic about their lives most of the time.

Still, loneliness affects more than a third of older adults, and is especially common among those living alone, where the rate rises to 51%.

How older adults spend their time

Social connections remain frequent for many, though patterns vary by gender and family structure.

• 71% of older adults with children stay in touch with them at least several times a week.
• 36% socialize with friends extremely or very often.
• Women are far more likely than men to be in regular contact with children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Hobbies and intellectual engagement also play an important role:

• 48% pursue hobbies or interests very often.
• 12% frequently work on learning new skills, while another 37% do so occasionally.

Community engagement remains strong: 40% are active in civic or interest-based groups, and about one-third volunteer at least sometimes.

Religious practice is also prominent. More than half pray daily, and 36% attend religious services in person at least monthly.

Work and purpose later in life

Employment among older adults varies sharply by age:

• 31% of those ages 65–69 are employed.
• The share drops to 12% among people in their 70s and just 3% among those 80 and older.

Older adults who are working report a stronger sense that their contributions to society are valued—47% compared with 33% of those not employed.

About 42% of older adults feel highly confident that their income will last through retirement. But uncertainty is especially high among those in the early retirement window:

• 26% of adults ages 65–69 say they are not confident their finances will last, or that they cannot retire at all.
• This compares with just 18% of those in their 70s and 13% of those 80 and older.

Aging well: A combination of health, security, and support

Ultimately, older adults who feel they are aging well tend to share several traits: good physical and mental health, strong cognitive functioning, solid financial footing and a reliable social network. Activities such as hobbies and lifelong learning also correlate with a stronger sense of well-being.

But above all, the survey reveals one defining truth about aging in America: income shapes nearly every aspect of the experience, from health and social engagement to optimism and day-to-day independence.