According to a new online poll of 13,000 people aged 50 and over, the majority do not want to be forced to retire at 65.

The survey, conducted by Saga and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), found over two thirds (67 per cent) of those polled felt that the default retirement age was unnecessary.

The survey also found that 85 per cent of people thought the default retirement age was used as an excuse by employers to get rid of staff.

As to the reasons for wanting to work on past 65, 61 per cent wanted to do so for financial reasons, 59 per cent wanted to keep their mind active, while 50 per cent said it was for enjoyment.

Nine out of ten believed the decision on when to retire should depend on someone’s ability and desire to work, not their age.