Can You Afford to Retire? What Most People Get Wrong

Retirement Anxiety, Financial Uncertainty, and the AI Economy (What the Research Says)

A health psychologist and director of clinical research shares her growing uncertainty about whether she can retire in the next three to four years amid an unstable economy, rising costs, and rapid AI-driven change. She describes retirement anxiety as being fueled less by concrete facts than by not knowing what will happen with Social Security, Medicare, taxes, inflation, healthcare costs, and longevity, noting surveys and reports showing many older Americans are delaying retirement and many workers expect AI to transform work soon. She discusses the value of working with a fee-only financial planner, the risk of a post-retirement identity crisis for people strongly identified with their work, and reframing paralysis into possibility through shorter planning windows, mindfulness, and addressing avoidance. She emphasizes planning for meaning and purpose beyond work, staying curious, and building supportive teams.

00:00 Retirement Fear Confession

01:47 Why It Feels Uncertain

03:14 Retirement Anxiety Research

06:28 AI Economy Shockwaves

07:54 Start Planning Anyway

08:46 Money Questions and Advisors

10:02 Identity After Work

13:18 Hopeful Mindset Shift

16:52 Mindfulness for Anxiety

18:51 Meaning Purpose and Wrap

📥 FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Health Change Navigation Guide A beautiful 2-page printable with the Three Questions, your Navigation Team roles, trusted health resources, and more. → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/shop

💌 JOIN GLOWUP — Dr. George's free newsletter on healthy aging, mindfulness & intentional living: → https://www.healthybygeorge.com/#news...

🎙️ ABOUT DR. MARY CATHERINE GEORGE: Dr. Mary Catherine George (MM PhD) is a health psychologist and Director of Clinical Research at a major academic medical center in NYC. She is the host of Healthy by George — a YouTube channel dedicated to intentional healthy aging, where science meets soul. She is also a classically trained singer, former improv performer, and the creator of GlowUp, a newsletter on healthy aging and mindful living.

📲 CONNECT WITH DR. GEORGE: YouTube: @HealthyByGeorge

Newsletter Website: https://www.healthybygeorge.com/

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

#RetirementAnxiety #FinancialStress #RetirementPlanning #LongevityFear #MoneyWorry #FixedIncome #RetirementMindset