What's the Ideal Retirement Age? Here's What Americans Think

Perhaps America isn’t as divided as we think, at least when it comes to retirement, or with other life milestones.

A survey just released by Bankrate.com looked at the generational thought process of retirement, but also delved into other major financial milestones, such as the best age to purchase a home or open a credit card.

(Related: 2 Steps Could Help Most Clients Reach Their Retirement Goals: Morningstar)

The study found that, on average, Americans think the ideal age to retire is 61, and the right time to begin saving for retirement is 22. Women see the ideal age to retire as 62, while men see the right age as 60. Those who make less than $50,000 a year believe people should start saving for retirement at age 23, two years later than those who make more than that amount. Republicans think saving for retirement should start at age 20, while Democrats said 23.

The survey of 1,001 people was conducted via landline and cellphone by SSRS for Bankrate. Ages represented included 33% millennials (ages 18 to 37), 26% Gen Xers (ages 38 to 53), 31% baby boomers (ages 54 to 72), and 8% from the Silent Generation (age 73 and older). Of the respondents, 48% were male and 52% female; and 62% were white and 35% non-white (African-American, Hispanic and other). The majority were college graduates or had some college. Politically, the majority classified themselves as independents, while Democrats edged out the Republicans in other representation.

The study looked at several life events and what ages each group thought was best for them to happen. Here are some of the findings:

Something as simple as opening your first credit card account brought some uneven responses. For example, the majority of millennials believed the best time to open a credit card is between age 18 and 20, while all other generations thought the best time was between 21 and 25. That said, those who worked full time said getting a credit card between 18-20 was best age.