Working women in urban India are becoming more aware and prepared for retirement, as highlighted by an insurance study, but many still grapple with fears of loneliness post-retirement.
Recent findings from the 'India Retirement Index Study' (IRIS 5.0) by Axis Max Life Insurance show that working women in urban India are increasingly prepared for retirement, demonstrating a significant increase in financial and health awareness. Women's preparation scores rose from 44 in 2022 to 49 in 2025, which exceeds the national average of 48. This study evaluates preparation across three main parameters: finances, health, and emotional resilience, indicating a notable improvement in women's readiness for their later years.
Despite these positive strides, a troubling challenge persists—the fear of loneliness after retirement. While women are becoming financially strong and regularly attending health check-ups (with about 60% of them doing so), they still harbor deep-rooted concerns regarding their emotional security once they retire. The report suggests that while women are adeptly planning for their financial and physical well-being, they remain vulnerable on the mental and emotional fronts, highlighting a critical area in retirement preparedness that needs attention.
As society evolves and women's roles in the workforce expand, understanding their psychological needs post-retirement becomes increasingly important. Ensuring that women not only prepare financially and health-wise but also have support systems in place to address potential loneliness can help foster a smoother transition into retirement. Promoting emotional well-being should be as vital as financial and physical health to create a holistic approach to women’s retirement planning.
