Rising prices of energy, food and private health insurance has led to an uplift in the estimated amount Australians need for a comfortable retirement.

Fresh figures from the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia (ASFA) show couples aged around 65 now need $75,319 per year to achieve a comfortable retirement, with $53,289 required for singles.

This means overall couples now need to have $690,000 in their superannuation balance to achieve a comfortable retirement and a single person will need $595,000 when they retire.

An increase in retirees’ spending on digital connectivity has also added to the increase, with smartphones, streaming services and high-speed internet now standard budget items for older Aussies.

“The stereotype of the digitally challenged senior is outdated. Today

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