Six in 10 (61%) haven’t requested a state pension forecast so they’re missing out on information about the level of income they’ll receive. This is despite this money being the main source of income in their later years.

Only 58% polled said they have a will, while a lowly 35% feel they are adequately prepared for their retirement, according to Retirement Advantage.

However, 9% said they feel daunted by the whole idea of retirement.

Andrew Tully, pensions technical director at Retirement Advantage, said: “In 2017 we find there is a perilously low level of understanding and financial activity in preparing for retirement. We don’t want people to lurch, like zombies, towards their retirement. Some of this comes down to real fundamentals such as: “Do I have a will in place?” or “Just how much is my state pension income going to be worth when I retire?” These are relatively easy things to do and find out, but it shows more simple help is needed.”

Tully stresses the importance of getting an accurate understanding of the pension the government will pay as the difference can be over £100,000 through a 20-year retirement.

“Many of those we interviewed said they will need to supplement the income they receive from the state. This is unsurprising, but unless people have the numbers then they can’t properly plan how any income from a workplace pensions fits, or work out if they might need to unlock some of the value in property to get the desired standard of living. There is a real need for people to take time to sit down and consider their retirement plans,” Tully said.