Over three quarters (85%) of retired people over 50 think they retired too early, according to a new survey.

This figure rose to 88% for those who are now aged over 70, according to a recent survey from over-50s finance provider SunLife.

On average, those that are retired or semi-retired said they did so two and a half years too early. Those aged 70+ think said retired three years too early.

Less than 10% said they retired too late and just 5% said they got the timing right.

The state pension age has now increased to 66 for most people and will continue to rise until it reaches 67. When the changes came into effect, they met with fierce opposition. However, SunLife said that the reality is that many people in their 70s wish to keep working.

Simon Stanney, equity release director at SunLife said: “For many, the change in the state pension age comes as a big blow, but the reality is, when it comes to retiring, most of those who are currently retried wish they had waited a bit longer. Our research also shows that many people in their 50s, 60s and 70s are fitter and healthier than ever, so are not looking to slow down, but to keep working and try new things.”