Pensions - Articles - Disability figures by age and gender

 Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, said: “Although slowly improving, disability rates in the decade or so before retirement remain relatively high. Nearly a quarter (23%) of people aged 50-54, 29% of those aged 55-59 and 32% of those aged 60-64 report a disability, with women reporting a higher incidence of disability than men.

 “For many of these the option of working later in life will only be possible if the right kind of jobs are available, in particular those that don’t depend on mobility, stamina or dexterity. Is our economy geared up not just for older workers, but the right type of work to give them?

 “The figures also raise an interesting point about giving people extra pension flexibility from age 55. Taking cash early may well help those whose ability to work is hampered. However, it also suggests that a high proportion – perhaps one in three – of those who access cash early may find their ability to work curtailed earlier than they expect, which will have a knock-on effect on their incomes in retirement.

 “This reinforces the need for people thinking of accessing pension cash early to consider the ‘what ifs’ of later life and highlights the importance of using Pension Wise, the government’s free, impartial and independent pension guidance on offer or professional advice.”