Wall Street Journal recently reported research from Wells Fargo and Metlife showing that women have a great deal of anxiety regarding retirement. The research found that women facing retirement start with three marks against them: they typically earn less than men, they are more likely to have spent time away from work caring for a relative, and they have a longer life expectancy than men and will need a bigger nest egg. I'm very skeptical of research from business firms with a clear vested interest in the research, but my experience suggests that the research regarding "concerns" may be quite accurate.
On average, women who reach 65 will live to age 85, while men will live to 82. Only 38% of women believe that Social Security will be available when they retire--in contrast to 42% for men. The average annual income for women age 65 and older is $21,519 versus $37,509 for men. (I seriously doubt that. I'd like to see their sample. Since the article alluded to women execs, that's probably the sample.)
When surveyed women execs were asked about their biggest concerns for the future, the number one issue was fear about retirement funding (62%). Even concerns about health care were less (46%). One of the toughest tasks--juggling work and family responsibilities--remains high on the list of concerns.