Almost a fifth, 17%, of UK adults aged 55 or over, have never checked their pension, according to new research.

One in seven, 14% of people have never checked their pension, despite reviewing other financial products.

Women are more likely to never check their pension than men, with 14% of women never checking compared to just 11% of men.

Among those who did review their pension in the last year, one in five, 20%, checked their forecasted retirement balance (20%). Smaller proportions took more active steps:

• 14% topped up their contributions
• 11% adjusted their investment risk level
• 10% made a one-off payment
• 9% consolidated their pensions.

Standard Life, the firm behind the research, said while it’s not necessary for someone to check their pension every day, it’s worth reviewing it at least once a year.

The company’s study showed that only just over half, 56%, review their pension at least annually while less than one in 10, 9%, look at their workplace pension each week.

In contrast, just over one in three, 35%, review their cash savings at least weekly, and 18% look at investment accounts every seven days.

Gail Izat, managing director for workplace pensions at Standard Life, said: “With one in seven people never reviewing their pensions, many risk missing opportunities to boost their savings – or even risk losing track of their pots altogether.

“As retirement gets closer, staying on top of your pension becomes even more critical, yet it’s worrying to see how many over 55s have never looked at their balance. The process is very simple, and if you’re unsure how to start, your pension provider or employer can guide you through it.”