What Life at 50 Really Looks Like Today.

Turning 50 has traditionally been associated with slowing down and preparing for retirement. However, new research suggests that today’s mid-lifers are living differently, with changing priorities, increased financial pressure and a growing disconnect between expectations and reality. 

We explore what life at 50 looks like based on recent research, and what it may mean for financial planning in later life. 

For many, turning 50 no longer marks the beginning of winding down. Instead, it reflects a stage of life that is still active, demanding and, in many cases, financially complex.

People aged 50-54 report feeling, on average, just 43 years old, highlighting how perceptions of ageing are changing. Many are continuing to build careers, support families and pursue personal goals well into their 50s. 

However, behind this shift in mindset, there are signs of growing financial pressure. 

The research highlights a disconnect between how people expected life at 50 to look and how it has actually turned out. 

• 1 in 3 people aged 50+ say they expected to be more financially secure 

• Over half of Gen X say that financial security would improve their 50s 

• Yet only 13% of those aged 50-59 feel like their life is already enjoyable enough 

This suggests that while lifestyles may feel younger, financial confidence is not keeping pace. 

Compared to previous generations, Gen X households are: 

• Spending 20% of income on children, compared to 5% for Baby Boomers 

• More likely to still have dependent children at 50 

• Managing housing commitments, with the average person having owned 1.42 homes and spending 16% of income on mortgage repayments 

These factors contribute to a more complex financial picture, where retirement planning may not always be the immediate priority. 

Despite being closer to retirement, many people do not feel confident about their financial future. 

• 54% of people aged 45-59 say they do not feel secure about their financial position heading into retirement 

• Only 3 in 10 believe they are on track to meet their retirement goals 

• Over a third of people aged 45-49 feel financially concerned about turning 50 

The combination of low confidence and limited guidance may indicate that some people are not receiving the support or information they feel they need when planning for retirement.