maybe they are coming from the assumption that planning for retirement [ health care , home downsize ,socail security #'s, ageing issues , etc ] is different than saving money for retirement.
Had a co-worker who was saving $$ in mutual funds, mostly because his parents urged him too. He was saving money towards a far-off goal of retirement and buying himself nice things in the future. But he was in his 20's - there was no "retirement plan". It was saving money for savings and compound interests sake only. Anyhow he passed away young in an accident so it was all moot. Just a guess on The CPA exam logic.