Home equity props up retirees as savings fall short

Among Americans ages 65 and older, Social Security benefits represent 52% of income on average, the study found. Retirement plans — both traditional pensions and 401(k)-style accounts — account for 19% of income.

Earnings from work make up 12%, while property and investments provide 6%.

The figures vary significantly by demographic group. Social Security provides 60% of income for…