Millions of people in the UK are retiring with massive debt hanging over their heads.
That is according to figures from Scottish Widows, which shows that one in five retired homeowners are still paying their mortgage.
The average amount owed sits at a crippling £38,000 and this is leading to real financial difficulties for many people.
"Our research shows that by the time they come to retire a significant number of pensioners still have a mortgage outstanding on their property, adding financial pressure to their hard-earned retirement fund," said Ian Naismith from Scottish Widows.
"It is important for those people who will be reaching retirement in the next few years, and still have debt outstanding on their mortgage, to consider how best to prepare themselves for the eventuality of having to juggle their debts on a reduced income when they stop working."
Many people can avoid the financial squeeze of having to make monthly mortgage payments from their pension fund by cashing in on their property and making a quick property sale.
Retired Homeowner are still paying their debt