A survey has found 44 per cent of baby boomers are postponing their retirement because of the global financial crisis.

The survey by research firm TNS shows that compares to only 23 per cent in the United Kingdom and 40 per cent in the United States.

It shows most respondents also believe stock markets in Australia, and around the world, will get worse before they get better.

TNS director John Shearer says more Australian baby boomers say they are putting off their retirement than their French or German counterparts as well.

"It's probably just because we've had more of a focus on saving yourself for retirement than they have, in the UK particularly," he said.

"People are much more au fait with their superannuation balance and tend to actually look at it at least once a year when their statements come in."

Mr Shearer says Australians are more aware of how much they have saved because of compulsory superannuation.

"What we're seeing now is suddenly with people's superannuation balances taking a real hit of 20 or 30 per cent, people are really having to just reconsider and rethink a lot of their plans for retirement," he said.

"Postponing your retirement is the way to put a little bit more money into that super fund balance for when you do."