UBS this week released a survey it carried out on age and pensions. Normally pretty dry stuff – summaries of massive data sets – these findings offer interesting insights into Swiss attitudes and give ample food for thought. We know, for example, that the Swiss are living longer; however the survey also tells us that the Swiss are also feeling younger, for longer.
The findings offer comment and insight into attitudes across the population. Pensioners, the results show, are concerned about losing purchasing power over time because of inflation, while those in their forties and fifties have doubts about the sustainability of the state pension scheme, AVS.
The survey is readable and relevant and it makes clear the alignment and differences between what people believe and what businesses and the government are doing or proposing. “What is especially interesting is the finding that the majority of survey respondents expect a general increase in the retirement age for both genders. In contrast, politicians are still reluctant to propose this measure to the greater public, even though society seems to accept it as inevitable,†explains Dr Veronica Weisser, a UBS economist and pension expert.
The survey, which has been published under the title 80 is the new 60 confirms assumptions that until now might have been little more than wishful thinking, subconscious fear or mere speculation. If you are planning for the future this survey makes a good tool to spark your thinking.
