1 in 4 in early fifties worried about losing home

Nearly a quarter of people in their early 50s are worried they'll be forced to leave their homes because they won't be able to keep up their mortgage or rent payments according to Age UK's Economic Tracker.

The figure from a poll of 971 people aged 50 or over across the UK is a barometer of the financial confidence of a demographic group, who would traditionally be expected to be at the peak of their earning power. Instead the tracker poll shows only 38% of people aged 50 plus say the future looks good for them.

Age UK believes the results paint a worrying picture of a generation of 'tomorrow's pensioners' beset with financial worries, including potentially finding themselves homeless.

Concern over staying in work

A key concern for many is keeping or finding a job. Nearly half of all unemployed men and women aged between 50 and 64 (46 per cent  - 191,000 people ) have been out of work for more than a year with reducing prospects of finding a job despite being expected to work longer before they receive a State Pension.

Research shows that it is harder for someone aged 50 and over to get back into the work place than for any other age group. Studies also show that they are more likely to be made redundant when compared with workers aged between 29 and 49.

At the same time low interest rates and poor returns on annuities mean that earnings on any savings designed to fund retirement are extremely low.

Michelle Mitchell, Age UK Charity Director General, said: 'We know that times are tough financially, but when a significant number of people aged 50 and over say they are worried about losing their homes, it's a clear sign that many are truly struggling to keep their heads above water.

'While all sorts of factors may be at play, we know that too many older people currently find themselves locked out of the job market just because of their age.

'With the State Pension Age rising to 67 by 2028, it's more important than ever that the Government, employers and recruiters ensure that people looking for work are judged on their skills, expertise and what they can bring to a job, not just their birthdate, enabling them to continue to contribute to the economy and build up to a financially secure retirement.'

Age UK's Economic Survey

Today's figures are among the first wave of Age UK's Economic Survey (PDF, 1MB) which is the centre piece of  the charity's regular  economic tracker. The tracker was developed to reflect the impact of the economy on the financial being of older people, analysing trends and the views of older people.