Keeping Track: retirees' income

Enough to live comfortably, amid a slow rise

Americans plan to keep working until later in life, according to a Gallup survey released last week. Those polled expect to retire at an average age of 63 – three years later than respondents to a similar survey predicted in 1995.

Many of those polled said they didn't think they would have enough money to live comfortably when they retire.

But many who have already hit retirement say they're doing OK.

Only 54 percent of people age 30-49 say they expect an easy time after work ends. Eighty-one percent of actual retirees, by contrast, say they have enough to live comfortably.

Recent Census Bureau figures show a gradual rise in household income for those 65 and older over the past two decades, but a drop in 2000.