Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Report Reveals Retirement Fears Among Sandwich Generation and Empty Nesters
A new report shows that many people in India are worried about their retirement.
Two groups, the Sandwich Generation and Empty Nesters, are especially concerned.
The Sandwich Generation is people who are taking care of their parents and children at the same time.
They are saving for retirement, but many still hope their children will support them.
They also worry about being lonely when they retire.
Empty Nesters are parents whose children have moved out.
They are more prepared financially, but they also worry about their savings lasting and being lonely.
The report says that people need to plan better for retirement, not just save money but also think about their health and emotional well-being.
India's overall Retirement Index score is 48, indicating challenges in long-term security.
Only 33% of Empty Nesters and 38% of the Sandwich Generation believe their retirement savings will last beyond 10 years.
67% of the Sandwich Generation have started saving for retirement, with 78% having life insurance.
71% of Empty Nesters are investing for retirement, with 44% investing in mutual funds or SIPs.
Both groups express significant concerns about loneliness and health during retirement.
- Who
- Sandwich Generation (middle-aged individuals supporting aging parents and children) and Empty Nesters (parents whose children have moved out)
- What
- A report highlighting retirement fears and financial vulnerabilities among these two demographic groups in India
- When
- The findings are from the Axis Max Life Insurance’s India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) 5.0, conducted in partnership with Kantar
- Where
- India
- Why
- To understand the retirement readiness and challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation and Empty Nesters as family structures evolve and life expectancy rises
- Overall Retirement Index Score
- 48
- Sandwich Generation Retirement Index Score
- 49
- Empty Nesters Retirement Index Score
- Not explicitly stated
- Percentage of Sandwich Generation Saving for Retirement
- 67%
- Percentage of Empty Nesters Saving for Retirement
- 71%
- Percentage of Sandwich Generation with Life Insurance
- 78%
- Percentage of Empty Nesters Investing in Mutual Funds/SIPs
- 44%
- Percentage of Empty Nesters Expecting Savings to Last 10+ Years
- 33%
- Percentage of Sandwich Generation Expecting Savings to Last 10+ Years
- 38%
- Percentage of Sandwich Generation Fearing Loneliness
- 71%
- Percentage of Empty Nesters Fearing Loneliness
- 75%