Gen X and Millennials Demand New Retirement Models as Traditional…

Event summary

83% of Gen X and Millennials believe their generation faces unique retirement challenges not experienced by prior generations.
61% report having fewer guaranteed retirement-income options compared to older generations.
86% of respondents who understand annuities find them appealing, yet only 23% have purchased one.
38% of respondents are somewhat confident in achieving retirement financial security, while 9% are not confident at all.

The big picture

The survey highlights a generational shift in retirement expectations, driven by declining pensions, market volatility, and rising costs. Athene, with $473 billion in total assets as of June 30, 2026, stands to benefit from the growing demand for guaranteed income solutions. The findings underscore the need for financial institutions to innovate and educate to meet the evolving needs of pre-retirees.

What we're watching

Product Adoption: Whether Athene can bridge the knowledge gap and increase annuity adoption among Gen X and Millennials.
Market Dynamics: How rising healthcare costs and inflation will continue to impact retirement savings and income planning.
Regulatory Influence: The pace at which regulatory changes may address the perceived inadequacies of the current retirement system.