The pandemic increased stress generally, and it appears stress related to retirement plans was no exception.
While the TIAA study did not investigate causes, circumstances that emerged relative to the pandemic (and other global events) may be a factor. High inflation and a struggling stock market have frightened those on the verge of retirement. A recent Pew Research survey found that 70% of Americans viewed inflation as a “very big problem” for the country, making it the top issue. It was followed by another economic concern: healthcare affordability. And of course, given the nature of the condition, anxiety caused by the pandemic may have caused more generalized anxiety.
