From housing and health to love, money, and modern retirement – here’s what 2025 revealed about Australia’s over-55

The lives of Australians aged 55+ are changing — fast.

They’re living longer, working differently, spending more, and reshaping what it means to “retire”. Whether you’re part of this growing generation or working with them, understanding their habits, worries, and priorities is key to supporting them.

Here’s a wrap-up of the most interesting and insightful stats from 2025 about Australians aged 55+, across health, housing, wealth, family, love, and more.

Who are they?

• Over-55s now make up 31.1% of the population — that’s more than 8.2 million people in Australia.
• That number is growing fast, projected to reach 35% by 2035.

Source: ABS Population Projections, 2025

This generation includes Baby Boomers and older Gen Xers — many of whom are redefining what ageing looks like.

Housing: Owning homes, but not downsizing

• 88% of Australians aged 55+ either own their home outright or are paying it off.
• But only 15% plan to downsize in the next five years — the majority want to stay in the home they know and love.
• Demand for reverse mortgage solutions is quietly growing, with a 12% year-on-year increase in inquiries from homeowners aged 60+.

Source: CoreLogic, Retirement Living Council 2025

Aging in place is a powerful desire — and many are looking for ways to tap into their home equity without selling up.

Money: Worries, work & retirement reality

• 47% of people aged 55–70 worry about outliving their savings.
• Average superannuation at retirement:
  • Men: $367,000
  • Women: $248,000
• 1 in 3 are still working past retirement age, often part-time or casually.
• Many over-55s are retiring gradually — taking on consulting, freelance, or family support roles.

Source: ASFA 2025; Retirement Income Report

While many look comfortable on the surface, financial pressure is a growing concern — especially with rising living costs and mortgage debt into retirement.

Health & wellbeing: Living longer, but not always healthier

• Life expectancy in 2025:
  • Men: 81.9 years
  • Women: 85.2 years
• 70% of people 55+ live with at least one chronic condition, including arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease.
• Loneliness is becoming a silent issue: 27% report feeling isolated, especially post-retirement or after losing a partner.

Source: AIHW 2025

This generation is living longer — but that brings both opportunities and challenges around health, aged care, and emotional wellbeing.

Love, divorce & dating over 55

• “Grey divorce” (after age 55) now accounts for 17% of all divorces in Australia.
• Women are increasingly the ones initiating separation later in life.
• Online dating is booming — with a 22% increase in over-55s joining platforms like eHarmony and RSVP.

Source: Relationships Australia 2025; eHarmony Dating Report

Forget stereotypes — many over-55s are embracing second chances, new relationships, and personal growth later in life.

Grandkids & family support

• On average, over-55s have:
  • 2.3 adult children
  • 4.1 grandchildren
• 62% provide financial or caregiving support to children or grandchildren — often both.

Source: National Seniors Australia, Grandparenting Report 2025

Many are part of the “sandwich generation,” helping both ageing parents and adult children — emotionally, financially, and physically.

Digital Habits: More connected than you think

• 91% own a smartphone
• 82% are on Facebook
• 54% regularly watch YouTube
• Podcast listening among 55+ Australians grew 19% in 2025.

Source: Deloitte Digital Trends 2025

This generation isn’t being left behind by tech — they’re embracing it, especially when it helps them stay informed and connected.

Aged care & independence

• The average age of entering residential aged care is now 84.
• Most want to stay at home and receive in-home support where possible.
• The federal government increased funding for in-home aged care services by 7% in 2025.

Source: Department of Health & Aged Care 2025

There’s a clear message here: independence matters. And services that support ageing-in-place will only become more important.

Spending habits: Where the money goes

• Over-55s account for 35% of all consumer spending in Australia.
• Top spending areas include:
  • Travel
  • Wellness and healthcare
  • Home improvements
  • Gifts for family and grandkids
• 60% research online before making a purchase, and value trust, transparency, and real testimonials.

Source: McCrindle Silver Economy Report 2025; Roy Morgan Consumer Survey

They may be older, but they’re savvy — and they expect brands to respect their intelligence and time.

What this means for you (if you work with over-55s)

1. Financial pressure is real, and many are looking for trustworthy ways to unlock cash flow without sacrificing stability.
2. They don’t want to leave their home — they want smart solutions to age where they’re most comfortable.
3. They’re still spending, still giving, and still contributing — often putting others ahead of themselves.
4. They’re active online, but allergic to hype. Authentic messaging wins.
5. Relationships matter — whether it’s family, romance, or trusted professionals.

Final thoughts

Australia’s over-55s are anything but one-dimensional.

They’re a powerful, growing, and deeply human demographic — and in 2025, they showed us they’re still learning, loving, working, and striving for better.

We’re looking forward to seeing how these key generations will shape modern Australian life in 2026!