Survey of Retirees under the EYT Reform

About the study

A two-part study of the circumstances, living conditions, wishes and expectations of people who retired under the Emeklilikte Yaşa Takılanlar (EYT) reform, which addressed age-related barriers to retirement. The first part focuses on their economic circumstances, while the second covers life after retirement, spending, leisure and future expectations. The September 2024 issue also included a “Retirees Survey” examining retirees’ changing circumstances.

Key findings

• More than half of those retiring under EYT continued working full time; 31.1% had left working life completely. EYT had become more a means of supplementing the household budget than the retirement people had imagined.
• Making ends meet was the main problem (84.5%). 83.6% said their retirement income did not cover even half their expenses; only 1.6% said it covered all expenses. 83.6% had debts. Some regretted retiring under EYT, while others were glad they had done so.
• 34.4% were able to save, rising to 40.7% among women. Gold was the preferred investment. Food was the largest spending category (77%).
• In their free time, 44.3% spent time with friends, 18% exercised and 14.8% attended cultural or arts events. 21% said their financial circumstances prevented them from doing anything. More than half were pessimistic about the economy’s future, while 21.3%, predominantly women, were hopeful. Online shopping was popular, and EYT retirees were active on social media.

Methodology

384 interviews were conducted online with EYT retirees through the Eşzamanlı Mobile Panel in May 2024.