Money

Super & retirement

Retirement living

Opinion

Bec Wilson Money contributor October 25, 2025 — 5.01am

Once upon a time, early retirement was the dream. You’d leave work at 55, buy a caravan, and spend your days fishing, golfing, playing bowls, or watching sunsets you’d finally have time to enjoy. But as 2026 looms, that fantasy is starting to look … well, a bit outdated.

The smart money’s on working later and not because we have to, but because it makes everything about retirement work better. Australians are living longer, healthier and, crucially, more flexible lives.

The average 65-year-old today can expect another 20-plus years of good health. That means retirement isn’t a finish line any more, it’s a long, evolving stage of life that can last three beautiful decades.

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