Vital Voices: Retirement and Social Security Issues that Impact Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Adults Age 45 and Older

AANHPI adults age 45-plus say Social Security is one of the most important government programs, but they are not confident it will be available in the future. Moreover, although being able to live comfortably during retirement is very important to older AANHPI adults, many are not very confident in their ability to do so.

Key Findings

• Having adequate Social Security benefits available is extremely or very important to the vast majority (91%) of AANHPI adults 45-plus. Furthermore, three-quarters (79%) of AANHPI adults say that Social Security is one of the most important government programs.
• Despite its importance, nearly half (46%) of AANHPI adults are either not too confident or not confident at all that Social Security will be available when they need it. Additionally, two-thirds (69%) of AANHPI adults age 45-plus think the monthly Social Security payment for retirees is too low.
• Amid concerns about retirement, one-quarter (25%) of older AANHPI adults think their financial situation will worsen in the short term (i.e., the next 12 months).

Methodology

In October 2023, AARP engaged ANR Market Research Consultants to conduct a quantitative research study among U.S. residents 45 and older. Topics included health care, prescription drugs, the economy, financial issues, retirement, Social Security, fraud, independent living, long-term care, caregiving, livable communities, and opinions of AARP. Interviews were conducted with 685 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander U.S. residents age 45-plus by landline (4%), cell phone (7%), online (88%), and using text-to-web.

For more information, please contact Aisha Bonner Cozad at abonner@aarp.org. For media inquiries, please contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.