Young Russians aspire to self-sustaining retirement and financial independence
Recent findings from a study conducted by SberNPF in collaboration with Rabota.ru, and reviewed by socialbites.ca, reveal a clear trend among younger Russians: they want to keep working and rely on their own money when they reach retirement. This attitude reflects a strong desire to avoid dependence on the state or any other external support in their later years.
The data show that nearly one in three respondents, specifically 29%, expect to continue working after age 60 to preserve their current standard of living. This demonstrates a pragmatic approach to retirement, where many see ongoing employment as a hedge against possible future financial shortfalls. A further 20% of young respondents envision retirement as a time to pursue personal pleasures, with the freedom to spend their own earnings on experiences and interests they love. About 15% express a preference for part-time work in retirement, coupled with the intention to share their knowledge and life lessons with younger generations.
When the researchers asked about alternative paths, 13% of young participants said retirement would come from pursuing hobbies, sports, or creative activities that generate personal fulfillment. Another 11% dream of extensive travel in retirement, valuing experiences over material accumulation. A smaller group of 7% plan to devote retirement to caring for grandchildren, thereby turning family time into a meaningful financial and emotional investment.
Financing retirement emerged as a well-understood issue among the respondents. A majority, 59%, want to live on their own money and avoid dependence on others. This indicates a preference for self-reliance and indicates confidence in personal savings, investments, or income streams rather than relying on state support. About one fifth, 20%, still see a role for state pensions as part of their retirement plan, suggesting a blended approach that combines personal funds with government benefits. Nineteen percent anticipate supplementary income from passive investments or rental real estate, highlighting a diversified strategy to ensure steady cash flow in retirement. Only a small share, 2%, would prefer to live with their children and receive financial help from them, signaling a drift away from multi-generational living as a main retirement model.
The survey also captures a broader sentiment among younger Russians: they value independence, flexibility, and the ability to shape their finances based on personal goals rather than external expectations. This mindset aligns with a growing global trend toward retirement planning that emphasizes self-sufficiency, continuous income, and the ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. While the study focuses on present expectations, it also hints at the long-term implications for savings behavior, investment choices, and the social contract surrounding retirement in contemporary Russia. For policymakers and financial planners, these findings underline the importance of offering accessible savings vehicles, diversified investment options, and clear information about pension schemes that allow individuals to tailor retirement paths to their personal preferences and risk tolerance.
In reflecting on these results, commentators note the potential impact on the labor market and social security. If a large portion of the younger population plans to remain economically active into retirement, employers might need to rethink retirement policies, flexible work arrangements, and the design of extended career models. At the same time, financial literacy and guidance become increasingly critical. People must understand how to balance current earnings with future needs, how to manage investments, and how to ensure a reliable income stream after leaving full-time work. The overarching message from the study is clear: the new generation of retirees seeks autonomy, purposeful activity, and a personal sense of financial security, rather than passive reliance on the state or family. This shift points to a future where retirement planning is deeply personal, technologically enabled, and financially diversified, with a premium placed on ongoing learning and adaptation throughout one’s working life.