It also ignores the fact that some people will not be able to work even p.t. due to illness, disability, etc. If people have not saved much $ and have to live on SS there are plenty of safety nets to make that doable. Also if some older people do have to work p.t. that is not necessarily bad as it will keep them from being isolated, etc. I think that those who have lived large and beyond their means will face tough choices once they have to retire. I really don't understand people spending everything they have and constantly upgrading to the newest, etc. I have known retirees without any kids buying big new homes that they won't be able to keep up with the cleaning, etc as they age. What's the point?