2026 Survey on Retirement Awareness for Single-Person Households
The "Hitogurashi Research Institute," operated by Able Holdings, released the results of its "2026 Survey on Retirement Awareness for Single-Person Households." The survey reveals that about half of unmarried women living alone prefer to remain single in their retirement, while financial concerns remain the top anxiety across all demographics. The findings highlight significant disparities in retirement preparedness and values based on living arrangements.
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- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 11:27 (27 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 1, 2026 at 18:40 (7h 13m after Collected)
The "Hitogurashi Research Institute," a specialized lab operated by the single-living support brand "Hitogura" under Able Holdings (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), has conducted the "2026 Survey on Retirement Awareness for Single-Person Households." The results are reported as follows.
■ 2026 Survey on Retirement Awareness for Single-Person Households
Survey Period: May 11 (Mon) – May 12 (Tue), 2026. Valid Responses: 983 (varies by question).
Survey Method: Internet survey. Target: Residents of Japan, men and women aged 20–69.
[Summary of Results]
1: About half of unmarried women living alone consider "living solo" as their ideal retirement lifestyle.
2: Regarding ideal retirement living, those living alone prioritize "urban convenience," married individuals prioritize "security and family considerations," and those living with parents prioritize "convenience and continuing to live at home."
3: Financial concerns are the overwhelming top anxiety across all households. Married individuals and unmarried women living with parents show a slightly higher tendency to worry about "loneliness."
4: Over 60% of married men and women living alone have prepared retirement funds, a higher rate than other groups.
5: 73.4% of unmarried individuals accept remaining single for life. Among those in their 60s living alone, over 60% are "absolute singles."
While about 47.2% of unmarried women living alone hope to remain "solo" in retirement, suggesting satisfaction with their current freedom, the desire for a "solo" life is extremely low among married men (3.7%). The majority of married individuals prefer a lively retirement with a "partner + children," reflecting happiness in family bonds.
Preferences for retirement living vary by household type. Those living alone prioritize convenience, seeking environments with good access to medical care and shopping. Married individuals prioritize security, aiming to avoid burdening their children through elderly housing or support services. Those living with parents tend to prefer staying in their current family homes.
Regarding the two major retirement anxieties—"money" and "loneliness"—financial concerns are greater across all groups. Specifically, 84% of unmarried women living alone express anxiety about running out of money. Conversely, married individuals show higher anxiety about loneliness, reflecting the value they place on current family connections.
Over 80% of respondents are anxious about retirement funds, either because they are "preparing but it's not enough" (46.0%) or "have no measures in place" (35.9%). Unmarried women living with parents are the most vulnerable, with nearly half having no preparations. In contrast, about 70% of married men have prepared, showing a significant gap in progress and crisis awareness.
73.4% of unmarried individuals accept a lifelong single status. The desire to remain single increases with age. Meanwhile, the "absolute marriage" group is more common among those living with parents, particularly women in their 30s (47.4%).
This survey reveals the diversifying "ideals of retirement." Whether living with family or alone, in rural or urban areas, we aim for a society where individuals can freely choose their lifestyle. While financial anxiety persists, there are many ways to build security, such as utilizing tax-free systems like NISA or investing while enjoying the flexibility of renting. We hope individuals will actively gather information and positively design their ideal future. (Akaboshi, Hitogurashi Research Institute)
■ 2026 Survey on Retirement Awareness for Single-Person Households
Survey Period: May 11 (Mon) – May 12 (Tue), 2026. Valid Responses: 983 (varies by question).
Survey Method: Internet survey. Target: Residents of Japan, men and women aged 20–69.
[Summary of Results]
1: About half of unmarried women living alone consider "living solo" as their ideal retirement lifestyle.
2: Regarding ideal retirement living, those living alone prioritize "urban convenience," married individuals prioritize "security and family considerations," and those living with parents prioritize "convenience and continuing to live at home."
3: Financial concerns are the overwhelming top anxiety across all households. Married individuals and unmarried women living with parents show a slightly higher tendency to worry about "loneliness."
4: Over 60% of married men and women living alone have prepared retirement funds, a higher rate than other groups.
5: 73.4% of unmarried individuals accept remaining single for life. Among those in their 60s living alone, over 60% are "absolute singles."
While about 47.2% of unmarried women living alone hope to remain "solo" in retirement, suggesting satisfaction with their current freedom, the desire for a "solo" life is extremely low among married men (3.7%). The majority of married individuals prefer a lively retirement with a "partner + children," reflecting happiness in family bonds.
Preferences for retirement living vary by household type. Those living alone prioritize convenience, seeking environments with good access to medical care and shopping. Married individuals prioritize security, aiming to avoid burdening their children through elderly housing or support services. Those living with parents tend to prefer staying in their current family homes.
Regarding the two major retirement anxieties—"money" and "loneliness"—financial concerns are greater across all groups. Specifically, 84% of unmarried women living alone express anxiety about running out of money. Conversely, married individuals show higher anxiety about loneliness, reflecting the value they place on current family connections.
Over 80% of respondents are anxious about retirement funds, either because they are "preparing but it's not enough" (46.0%) or "have no measures in place" (35.9%). Unmarried women living with parents are the most vulnerable, with nearly half having no preparations. In contrast, about 70% of married men have prepared, showing a significant gap in progress and crisis awareness.
73.4% of unmarried individuals accept a lifelong single status. The desire to remain single increases with age. Meanwhile, the "absolute marriage" group is more common among those living with parents, particularly women in their 30s (47.4%).
This survey reveals the diversifying "ideals of retirement." Whether living with family or alone, in rural or urban areas, we aim for a society where individuals can freely choose their lifestyle. While financial anxiety persists, there are many ways to build security, such as utilizing tax-free systems like NISA or investing while enjoying the flexibility of renting. We hope individuals will actively gather information and positively design their ideal future. (Akaboshi, Hitogurashi Research Institute)
FAQ
Is this survey relevant to Taiwan's situation?
Yes, as Taiwan faces similar trends in aging and rising single-person households, the findings on financial anxiety and housing needs are highly relevant.