Two thirds of those aged 50+ are aware of the state pension age equalisation and a quarter (28%) have altered their retirement plans as a result.

But more women than men are changing their retirement plans, according to Retirement Advantage – 21% of men said they’ve changed their plans, against 35% of women.

The income and equity release firm said the changes are hitting women more acutely. A third of those who are changing their plans said they will retire six to 10 years later than planned. This is double the proportion of men doing the same.

Further, 20% of women said they will retire with less income than expected, compared to one in seven men.

In contrast, a majority of men (69%) said they will retire between one and five years later, compared to 55% of women.

Worryingly, the research also revealed that nearly two thirds of women (59%) of more than 1,000 people polled, either haven’t requested a state pension forecast, don’t know what it is, or how to get one.

You can check your state pension forecast on the government website.

Andrew Tully, pensions technical director at Retirement Advantage, said: “These findings make clear the significant impact the changes to the state pension age are having on retirement plans. It’s also clear the equalisation of state pension age is changing women’s plans to a greater degree than men.

“Many over 50s are telling us they have heard there are changes to state pension ages but don’t know the details. It’s important everybody approaching retirement requests a state pension forecast and consults a professional financial adviser to get a better idea of how the changes may affect them. Getting advice now is one of the best ways of ensuring your retirement plans stay on track.”

When can you retire?

The state pension age is increasing for women and rising between April 2010 and November 2018 from 60 to 65.

It will increase to 66 for both men and women between December 2018 and October 2020. It will then increase to 67 for both men and women between 2026 and 2028.

Finally, it will increase to 68 which has been suggested to be between 2037 and 2039, however the government has yet to include this in legislation.