3 Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees

The mix of retirement income sources has changed dramatically over the years. Not too terribly long ago, employer pensions supplied much of an individual's needed income after their working years had ended. Social security checks were something of an afterthought. Savings and investments were a rarity. Now, pensions are a rarity, and social security checks are modest. An individual's own savings and investments are more likely to carry much of the weight during their golden years.

This ultimately means retirees will have to figure out how to make their investments drive reliable income for what is now, on average, 18 years' worth of retirement. For many, it can span even longer.

To that end, here's a look at three top dividend stocks retirees, or near-retirees, may want to consider. Not only are they built to last, they're built to grow their payouts in step with population and economic growth.

Source Fool.com