Assuming that the State Pension will offer a sound retirement income in future years may be a mistake. : The State Pension is gradually becoming less affordable. Even though it stands at just £164 per week, an ageing population and longer life expectancy mean that its overall affordability for the state may become increasingly limited in future years. This could mean that the age at which it is paid continues to increase so that it is payable only in the latter part of an individual’s retirement (as it was when it  was originally introduced).