The IMF says retirement ages in the western world should move to 70
And not for the reason you might think... This is a short, sharp, bonus episode of Prime Time to help unpick some important insights from the scientists at the IMF.
In this bonus episode of Prime Time, I’m diving into a piece of research that stopped me in my tracks this week. The International Monetary Fund has come out and said the retirement age across the Western world should be moved to 70. Now before you panic, I want you to hear me out—this isn’t about grinding away in jobs you hate until you drop. It’s about the fact that our health, our cognitive capacity, and the way we work have shifted so much that we can keep working longer if we want to.
The IMF’s research shows that today’s 70-year-olds have the same cognitive health as 53-year-olds did back in 2000. That’s huge. It means we need to start telling ourselves a different story about midlife, work, and ageing.
In this episode, I talk about what it means to rethink retirement at 70, how to stage your work and life in phases—setup, lifestyling, and part-timing—so you actually enjoy the ride, and why this shift is really about choice, not obligation.
I reckon this is the future. And I want to hear what you think—so listen in, then drop me a line and let’s get the conversation going.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
The IMF says retirement age should move to 70—but here in Australia, retirement is still your choice.
Today’s 70-year-olds have the same cognitive health as 53-year-olds did in 2000.
Why we need to stage work in phases—setup, lifestyling, and part-timing—before true retirement.
This isn’t about working longer out of necessity, it’s about creating more choice and redefining Prime Time.
The How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course kicks off next week, 28th August!
Our popular 6-week program has helped thousands of Aussies get retirement-ready—with smart strategies for money, time, health, happiness and purpose, travel and your home as you age.
The course Welcome Packs have been sent out this week. This is your last chance to get 15% off with the coupon code EPICSPRING15
👉 Or download the 2025 Spring brochure here.
Let’s make your retirement epic.
Work until 70?
Concept can only come from people in cushy jobs with no direct conflict or physical activity - and or don’t have life ambitions outside of work! Those who don’t have to go cap in hand to get time off to look after yourself!
Exactly. They've likely haven't worked a physical job for years, if at all.