5 February 2026
New member data from AustralianSuper reveals the Australian retirement dream of a sea or tree change has taken a backseat to more practical considerations.
Despite the enduring appeal of relocating for retirement, three in four (74 per cent) Aussies aged 50 and above both nearing and in retirement, plan to stay where they are. When asked to select their top three priorities when considering where to retire, proximity to health services, friends and family, as well as safety and security concerns topped the list.
More than half (55 per cent) of those surveyed said access to healthcare was the most important factor in deciding where to retire.
Second to access to healthcare, 50 per cent of respondents cited proximity to friends and family as a top consideration when choosing where to live later in life. With some retirees choosing to live near their children and grandchildren to provide familial support, including regularly caring for grandchildren.
Safety and security was reported as the third most important factor when choosing where to live in retirement, with one in three (33 per cent) listing it as a top priority. This factor was higher among women aged over 50, rising to 38 per cent. The importance of safety and security in retirement reflects broader community concerns with recent Roy Morgan research showing two-thirds of Australians agree crime is a growing problem.
When comparing Aussies over 50 who are approaching retirement with those already retired, the importance of practical considerations only increases. Access to healthcare (53 versus 68 per cent), staying close to friends and family (48 versus 58 per cent) and safety and security (32 versus 33 per cent) all increased with age, demonstrating what is important to Aussies in retirement can change over time.
AustralianSuper’s Head of Retirement, Jacki Ellis, said the millions of Australians who are approaching or enjoying their golden years are redefining what retirement looks like.
“Today's retirees are already telling us the traditional cliff-edge moment of working until retirement age and then stopping all-together no longer works for them,” said Ms Ellis.
“As more Australians chase a retirement that is an extension of their current lifestyle, it’s no surprise many Australians want to stay put rather than marking the end of their working life with a move.
“With the new year underway, we encourage those approaching retirement to consider their retirement plan. The sooner you map out your goals, the easier it is to work towards living the retirement lifestyle you want, wherever that may be.”
To get a head start on your retirement plan, visit: australiansuper.com/elements-of-retirement
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kylie Breckenridge, AustralianSuper
M: +61 402 746 226
E: media@australiansuper.com
Sonia Krien, AustralianSuper
M: +61 419 368 220
E: media@australiansuper.com
Notes to editors:
AustralianSuper member data is sourced from a nationally representative survey of 1,181 members aged 50 years and above, including members who are employed and fully retired.
About AustralianSuper:
AustralianSuper manages more than $410 billion in members’ retirement savings on behalf of more than 3.6 million members from more than 485,000 businesses (as at 31 December 2025).
This media release includes general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision consider if the information is right for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/PDS or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD.
AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.