Portuguese seniors are worried about their financial situation and that of their family members. Although 64% consider that they have an income that is identical or even higher than that of the majority of national workers, 47% say that their purchasing power has decreased in the last 12 monthsreveals the Observador Cetelem Consumo Sénior 2025 study. The report, which is based on more than 400 interviews with people over the age of 55, also concluded that 40% help family members, usually children, with money or expenses.
The majority of people over 55 are still working, and this is how they obtain their main source of income, with on average 90% of salary is spent on fixed and variable expenses. Despite only having a small portion of their income left at the end of the month, this population states their desire to increase their savings more than their expenses over the next 12 months. This objective will take into account the increase in the retirement age – in 2025, to 66 years and seven months; in 2026, for 66 years and nine months -, and cuts of 16.9% for those who decide to advance their pension this year. These are measures that are generating concern among future retirees.
Especially because the monthly income is channeled, for the most part, towards essential goods. According to the study, food is the category where 96% of Portuguese seniors spend the most money and also the one that requires a greater frequency of purchases. These are followed by the areas of health (48%) and housing (36%) as the most demanding in terms of spending. Clothing and footwear is a need that is met with eight purchases, on average, per year. This last category, as well as electronic and technological equipment, are the ones that seniors buy most online. The study reveals that 91% shop online, around 15 times a yeardue to lower prices (54%) and/or convenience (46%).
The projects of Portuguese seniors are very focused on traveling (45% of respondents liked to travel) and carrying out renovations/renovations at home. In this item, 71% would like to make their home more environmentally friendly. The majority (68%) have already changed their light bulbs to LED to make spending more affordable, and 1/3 have also made improvements to insulation. It should also be noted that 20% want to buy new electronic and technological equipment. This population already uses these devices on a daily basis, but 2/3 ask family members for help. Social networks are used almost daily, while applications are used, on average, every other day.
The study also reveals that 59% of seniors feel a lack of products or services adapted to their needs, with special emphasis on healthy eating (27%), culture and leisure (20%) and home services (19%). In addition to the aforementioned tours and trips, leisure, culture and physical exercise are the activities that most motivate this population. The study concluded that the majority of respondents consider a person to be a senior from the age of 65. Four out of ten said they felt younger than their age.
Observador Cetelem is a center for consumer studies and economic monitoring of BNP Paribas Personal Finance, an entity specializing in consumer credit at BNP Paribas. The group is present in 21 countries, including Portugal, and employs more than 16 thousand people.