Millions of Older Americans Gripped by "Debt Epidemic": Survey
Around 22% of of those surveyed said they have no savings at all.
A significant number of older Americans are grappling with debt, hindering their retirement plans. Research indicates that over half of those in their later years feel debt has drastically restricted their life choices.
A February 2025 survey by Talker Research, commissioned by National Debt Relief, polled 2,000 adults over 55, revealing that 72% carry debt, with over half feeling so burdened they doubt they’ll ever be free of it.
Credit card debt is the primary concern, affecting 45% of respondents with an average balance of $9,000 and monthly payments of $418. Housing debt is also significant, with 30% still paying mortgages, owing $72,000 on average and facing $797 monthly payments.
Medical debt impacts 17% of respondents, with an average balance of $9,144 and $222 monthly payments. Additionally, 22% are making car payments, averaging $446 monthly on $17,000 auto loans.
The survey identified low income as the main barrier to debt repayment, cited by 46% of respondents. High interest rates (30%) and making only minimum payments (26%) further complicate matters.
“Our findings reveal the nation’s consumer debt epidemic is impacting millions of older Americans’ financial futures and threatening to put the retirement they’ve worked toward for decades out of reach,” said Natalia Brown, chief compliance and consumer affairs officer at National Debt Relief. “The unpredictable financial challenges we experience with age can easily escalate into overwhelming debt amid the costs of modern living, making it essential for older Americans to know that reputable debt relief solutions are available.”
Savings are also a concern, with the average debt-carrying respondent having $29,187 saved, though 61% believe this is insufficient for retirement. Nearly half (49%) have saved $20,000 or less, and 22% have no savings at all.
Inflation (72%) and debt payments (36%) were cited as major obstacles to saving. Respondents expressed anxiety about rising costs (69%) and economic conditions (45%).
Consequently, 48% of employed respondents feel unprepared for retirement, with 68% of those with debt saying it has impacted their ability to retire. A striking 62% never anticipated dealing with debt at this stage, forcing 67% of non-retired respondents with debt to work beyond their planned retirement age.
“Debt in retirement isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a social issue with wide-reaching implications that extend to families, communities, and public systems already under strain,” said Dr. Kaylee Ranck, director of college research for the American College of Financial Services. “While this research shows many older adults are carrying significant debt into later life, it’s never too late for people to make meaningful progress towards their retirement goals and take control of their financial future through trustworthy professional guidance and educational resources.”
With April marking Social Security Month, 82% of respondents voiced concerns about the program’s future, and 76% of those with debt doubt Social Security will suffice for retirement.
When asked for advice to their younger selves, most emphasized saving more and spending less, with one respondent bluntly stating, “Don’t get into credit card debt.”
The survey underscores a growing crisis affecting not just individuals but families, communities, and the economy at large, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to address both immediate debt challenges and long-term retirement security.
I still remember from my university days learning the gut punch fact that most people struggle more with poverty in their retirement years than at any other time in their lives. And it's only going to get worse.
We've been told for years that Social Security will not provide enough to retire on.
We've been told to save at least 10 % of our earnings. Sometimes, that isn't enough. It doesn't help that we buy stuff we don't need, but want. We are encouraged to go into debt. We live in a debtor society, caught up in debtor financial system. As if it wasn't bad enough that the super wealthy are stealing our money, the governments always have their greedy, grubby hands out. Taxes and more taxes and fees on top of taxes. So, we have banks, credit card companies, insurance companies and governments taking more and more each year. And, to make things worse, we've had 4+ years of high inflation (another "tax"). Nobody ever wants to give the average Joe or Jane a little break. We work our whole lives to make other people richer. It is not right. It's time us peasants took back control of our lives, and our hard-earned money. Tell them all, stop. Leave our money alone. Be smart, be frugal. Pay attention. Tell them all, stop.