Pew Research: 67% of Younger Adults Worried About Aging, Health and Finances Top Concerns

A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals that nearly two-thirds of adults under 65 express worry about their later years, with health and financial stability emerging as primary concerns. The comprehensive survey, conducted from September 2-8, 2025, among 8,750 U.S. adults, found a notable alignment between the advice older Americans offer and the anxieties younger generations hold regarding the aging process. This shared perspective underscores universal challenges associated with growing older in the United States.

The Pew Research Center highlighted this finding on social media, stating, "The advice from older adults aligns with the worries those under 65 have about aging. Read more about what people are worried or excited about when they think about getting older." This indicates a common thread in how different age groups perceive the future. Among adults under 65 who frequently contemplate their lives in their 70s and beyond, 67% reported feeling worried, while 51% expressed excitement, with 28% feeling both.

Specific anxieties for younger adults predominantly center on physical and mental health (42%) and finances, including concerns about Social Security's future (30%). Family relationships, such as loneliness or becoming a burden, were also cited by 16%. Conversely, excitement about aging often stems from the prospect of more time with family and friends (42%), increased time for hobbies and travel (30%), and the freedom of retirement (19%).

The study also revealed a disparity in optimism between generations. While 49% of adults aged 65 and older report aging "extremely" or "very" well, only 30% of younger adults anticipate a similar experience for themselves. Income level significantly influences these perceptions, with 61% of upper-income older adults reporting aging well, compared to 51% of middle-income and 39% of lower-income seniors. Older adults frequently advise younger generations to prioritize health through diet and exercise, and to focus on financial planning and saving.

The findings arrive as the U.S. population rapidly ages, with the proportion of Americans 65 and older increasing substantially in the last two decades. This demographic shift makes understanding intergenerational perspectives on aging crucial for future policy and societal planning. The report underscores the need to address health and financial security to ensure a positive aging experience across all income brackets.