I’m Over 65—Should I Still Consider Investing in Gold?

For many retirees, the question of whether to invest in gold comes up sooner or later. At 65 and beyond, your priorities often shift away from aggressive growth and toward protecting the wealth you’ve worked a lifetime to build. Stocks, bonds, and real estate may all play a role in that plan, but gold has long held a unique position in the world of investing. The question is: does gold still make sense once you’ve reached retirement age?

Investing in. gold remains a world-class investment strategy, particularly as a safe-haven asset in uncertain times. But as with all investments, it’s important to understand the benefits, risks, and—perhaps most importantly—the role that price plays in your decision.

Let’s explore why gold remains a sound choice for those over 65, while also taking a realistic look at the considerations that come with it.

Gold as a Safe-Haven Asset in a Volatile Economy

One of gold’s strongest appeals has always been its ability to act as a safe-haven during economic turmoil. When markets become unpredictable, currencies weaken, or inflation runs hot, gold often shines brightest.

For those in retirement, this safe-haven quality can be particularly valuable. Unlike younger investors who have decades to recover from downturns, retirees may not want to expose their nest egg to sharp losses in equities or riskier investments. Gold provides a degree of stability that other assets cannot match.

History supports this. During the 2008 financial crisis, for example, global markets collapsed, but gold rose steadily. More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also during the Liberation Day shock/tariff crash, gold prices again surged as investors looked for security amid chaos. For someone over 65, these safe-haven characteristics can be reassuring: gold doesn’t rely on corporate earnings, interest rates, or government policy in the same way other assets do.

Gold as a Hedge Against Inflation

Another reason gold remains attractive is its historical role as a hedge against inflation. Retirees often live on fixed incomes—pensions, Social Security, or retirement savings—which can lose purchasing power as the cost of goods and services rises.

Gold has shown a strong ability to retain value over time, even as currencies weaken. In fact, many investors consider gold to be “real money”—a store of value that can’t be printed at will by central banks. For someone over 65, this hedge against inflation helps preserve the real value of your wealth.

Take the 1970s as an example. Inflation ran into double digits, eroding savings. Yet gold prices soared, protecting those who held even modest amounts. With inflation making headlines again in recent years, retirees are wise to consider how gold can safeguard their purchasing power.

Portfolio Diversification

Diversification is one of the fundamental rules of investing, and gold plays a unique role in balancing a portfolio. Stocks and bonds remain important, but both can be subject to economic cycles. Gold often moves independently of these assets, providing valuable diversification.

For retirees, diversification is not about chasing maximum returns; it’s about managing risk. Even holding 5–15% of your portfolio in gold or precious metals can reduce overall volatility and provide peace of mind.

Consider a retiree whose portfolio is heavily weighted in equities. A market downturn could significantly reduce their savings just when they need them most. Gold, on the other hand, tends to rise when confidence in paper assets falls, helping to smooth out those swings.

Why Price Matters More Than Ever

While the benefits of gold are clear, retirees must pay special attention to one critical factor: price.

Gold is not a speculative play for quick profits. It is traditionally a long-term hold. Prices fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, and it can take time to overcome the initial spread—the difference between what you pay to purchase gold and what you can sell it for.

Historically, this spread meant that investors often had to hold gold for years before realizing meaningful gains. That’s less of a concern for younger investors who have decades ahead of them. But for retirees, timing becomes more important.

Fortunately, in recent years, pricing dynamics have improved. More competition among dealers and greater transparency in the market have narrowed spreads. This means that your break-even point is closer to the spot price of gold, reducing the time you may need to hold before seeing a return. Still, retirees should be mindful of what they’re paying per ounce. Even a small difference in entry price can affect your results.

Gold’s Long-Term Track Record

For those over 65, one of the strongest arguments for investing in gold is its long-term track record. Over centuries, gold has preserved wealth through wars, recessions, currency collapses, and political upheavals.

Since the U.S. fully abandoned the gold standard in 1971, gold has risen from around $35 per ounce to well over $3,600 per ounce in 2025. That’s an extraordinary appreciation, especially when compared to the erosion of the dollar’s purchasing power over the same period.

This doesn’t mean gold rises every year—far from it. Gold has endured long periods of stagnation or decline. But over the long run, the trajectory is clear: gold protects wealth better than most assets. For retirees, that historical reliability is reassuring. Whether driven by central bank demand, investor appetite, or macroeconomic shifts, gold has once again proven its strength as a world-class hedge and safe store of value in 2025.

Practical Considerations for Retirees

If you’re over 65 and considering gold, here are a few practical points to keep in mind:

Decide on Allocation – A common recommendation is 5–15% of your portfolio in gold or precious metals. The right amount depends on your risk tolerance, other holdings, and financial goals.
Choose Your Form of Gold – Options include physical bullion (bars and coins) for delivery to your home or placement in a gold IRA, gold-backed ETFs, or even gold-related stocks. Physical gold provides the most direct ownership, while ETFs and stocks offer convenience but involve counterparty risk.
Storage and Security – If buying physical gold, consider how you’ll store it. Home safes and bank deposit boxes are common choices. Some dealers, such as Furst Gold Group, also offer secure vaulting services.
Liquidity – Gold coins and bars are highly liquid, but selling back to a reputable dealer is important. Understand the buy-back policies of wherever you purchase. Your First Gold Group representative can provide you with additional information on how simple it is to liquidate your metals.
Watch Fees and Premiums – At First Gold Group, we know price matters. Whether you’re purchasing your first coin or expanding your portfolio, our pricing model ensures consistent value. With tiered pricing that unlocks discounts at smaller quantities, you get more gold for your money. We also monitor market pricing closely, so every purchase delivers exceptional value.

The Bottom Line

Gold remains a proven hedge against inflation, a safe-haven in volatile times, and a valuable diversifier for retirement portfolios.

If you are over 65, price per ounce matters—more so in retirement than earlier in life. Be mindful of premiums, spreads, and entry points.

For retirees, the goal isn’t necessarily chasing high returns—it’s protecting wealth and ensuring peace of mind. Gold continues to fulfill that role better than almost any other asset. As long as you buy smart and understand its place in your portfolio, gold is not just appropriate after 65—it’s viewed as a world-class strategy for preserving the legacy you’ve built.