What's the right age to retire?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The French are not happy with their government's plan to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/21/art.social.security.jpg caption=""]
More than a million people in 220 French cities took to the streets yesterday protesting - with strikers disrupting trains, planes, hospitals and mail delivery.
Yet French President Nicolas Sarkozy is vowing to push ahead with the overhaul of the country's pension system. You see, France and many other European countries have come to the realization that if they don't do something about their troubled fiscal situations now - they risk winding up in the same boat as Greece.
But don't tell that to the French union workers, who are a bit dramatic about the idea of working until 62.
One sign in Paris showed a raised middle finger with the following message: "Greetings from people who will die on the job."
The French government is telling them things could be worse. Other European countries are thinking about raising the retirement age to 67 or 68. And here in the U.S. the retirement age is gradually going up to 67.
Meanwhile as the French complain about working until 62, a growing number of Americans are working into their 90s and even 100s.
Experts on aging say a daily job can help alleviate boredom, improve physical health and provide older people with a schedule. Some of them are working to supplement their retirement savings or to give extra money for their families
AARP says by 2012 almost one-fifth of the workforce will be older than 55, and baby boomers will likely keep working beyond the traditional retirement age of 65.
Here’s my question to you: What’s the right age to retire?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Loren writes:
Retire whenever you can and whenever it feels right. Personally, I'm going to work as long as I can. Being active and having mental stimulation is essential to your personal well-being. I'd love to be working when I'm 100, because that'll mean I'm still alive.
Dave in Orlando, Florida writes:
The right age to retire is when you can afford it and when you want to. Unfortunately, a lot of us have no choice. Those who are lucky enough not to have been forced out of the workplace for the crime of getting old may not be able to retire at all for lack of money. But using the French as an example is a red herring. The French would complain if their retirement age was lowered to 30.
Olga in Austin, Texas writes:
You finally asked a question that is relevant to my life! There is no such thing as retiring anymore. There is no luxury in staying home and staring at the four walls. How boring is that? I did not retire at 65 or 68 or 70! I am still working and enjoying what I do.
Bruce in Rancho Mirage, California writes:
Hi Jack, From a retired old man who waited too long: Please have the sense to retire when one is still a whole person, both physically and mentally. But, do keep in mind you're going to need much more money than you think – so also be well-prepared!
Kevin in California writes:
According to the Republicans, that would be "never."
Frank in York, Pennsylvania writes:
Jack, I am 70 years old and I will let you know the ideal age to retire when I get there! I am on the job now so I can't talk long. Have a great day!
K. writes:
Retire when your income will be adequate to make you happy. That takes good planning and some luck. I made it out at 58.
Galen writes:
How old are you, Jack? We can start there.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
The right age to retire is when you don't want to and don't need to work anymore. I know a lot of people - especially lawyers - who have practiced well into their nineties and by all means should. There are some professions like law where there aren't a lot of physical demands where people should be encouraged to work as long as they can.
Jack, it differs for people. I have always thought 50 is the perfect age to begin your retirement from the "rat race" and begin doing what you've always wanted, but haven't been able to do. Second profession or trully partying (til dealth do you part!)
It would be nice if everybody could retire whenever they wanted to. Some people would never retire and some would never work. There is no "right" age for everyone, just as there is no "universally correct" answer to any question with subjective answers.
That depends on the type of job you have.
sixty two for back breaking work. sixty five for physical work. Seventy for easy sit down jobs, such as, television hosts, office workers, pundits, radio disc jockeys, and so on.
You finally sked a question that is relevant to my life!
There is no such thing as retiring anymore. There is no luxury in staying home and staring at the four walls. How boring is that?
I did not retire at 65 or 68 or 70! I am still working and enjoying what I do.
Olga
Austin, Texas
I am 50 years old. Tomorrow would be fine. Realistically, 65 years old. I would like to have a few good years to enjoy the fruits of my labor during retirment.
For me, the answer is "never." If you aren't doing something productive with yourself, you might as well curl up and die. Any extra money coming in doesn't hurt either.
The right age to retire should be left up to the individual. It's time when daily you just do not want get up out of bed and go to work. It's time when no matter what is said at work or in your field and you have really heard it all before. When your boss never listens not only to you but to anyone who is not 20 something and still takes a skate board to work. The right age should be when you want to.
Retirement ages would have to vary. To ask a real blue collar laborer to wait till 70 is unconscionable.
There are men and women who's only means of income require them to do back breaking labor like laying tile and pouring cement,roofing etc. These folks cannot possibly be asked to wait till they are 70. BUT then maybe that's the answer...Social Security DEATH PANELS.
That's the wrong question. The question should be what's the right amount of money to retire on?
retire from full time at 60 and work part time in schools helping as an aid till 65 then run for the hills.
Depends on the individual... I worked overseas 23 years and retired twice in the past 4-5 years, but now at 67, my health is great and I'm ready to boost our investments by taking advantage of the ($91,000 tax break I get by being an American Engineer showing the rest of the world how to do things right. I still have "sand in my boots" therefore, I'm talking with companies about returning to work in the Mid-East, Africa, Indonesia, etc...
If the Republicans have anything to say about it, when you're dead.
Jack I feel that a person should retire when they feel that they have enough money to live on. I retired two years ago from the San Francisco Unified district at the age of 62. I had put in 30 years of my life and I felt that it was time. My pension is workable and I drew my social security at age 62. I also work a little part-time job to keep busy. As a matter-of-fact, I am taking home more than I did before I retired. I feel that this is an individual decision when they want to retire. No one has the right to decide for you.
after 20 years of working!
What’s the right age to retire?
Retire? Who says that any of us can retire since Wall Street ruined our portfolio's? They got bailed out but we didn't.
Social Security states that I can not get my full benefits until I am 65+ whilemy spouse can get theirs at age 65, so Social Security has already put in place higher retirement ages to offset costs.
If we left it to Republicans none of us would be able to retire until we are 80.
Jenna
Roseville CA
While that has a degree of variability, I think we have already extended the retirement age too far, at 67.
Let's be honest......no matter what the federal law is, about not discriminating on age, employers have no interest in keeping older workers, whatsoever.
They only want new hires in their 20's and 30's primarily, and once you cross the age 40 mark, they won't even grant you an interview. Time to be realistic, and admit that forcing people to work beyond what employers will allow, will simply put people out of work, when they can least afford it, as they near, but haven't reached, retirement age.
Reality dictates.....and the reality is, older workers are already being let go, before they even reach the current retirement age.
Retire whenever you can and whenever it feels right. Personally, I'm going to work as long as I can. Being active and having mental stimulation is essential to your personal well being. I'd love to be working when I'm 100, because that'll mean I'm still alive.
Jack,I retired in 2006 at age 62,I never knew how much I could love boredom!!
Hi Jack –
From a personal standpoint, people should be able to retire when they are ready and can afford to.
Our government (and many others) is floating the idea of raising the age as a remedy to resolve future Social Security shortages. This is everyone's easy answer but I do not think it is the correct answer. Raising the current age will ensure an aging work force and will decrease the opportunity for younger generations to find work.
Why would you raise the age of retirement when it is clearly known that in the future (via technology) we will need less and less people to work to provide the necessities of life ... extending the retirement age will only ensure that unemployment rates will be higher in the future.
Why do they not attack the cause of this issue ... namely, our government raiding Social Security for other deemed needs? They caused this mess and their resolution is to raise retirement ... not only is this a coward's way out, it is attacking the issue from a bad perspective.
I think you should retire from birth untill 65 then go to work.
Retirement age should be 5. That's the only way the average citizen would have a retirement anywhere equal to that which our members of congress have. One two year term and a full pension for our lawmakers. Pshaw!
A person should retire when they physically cannot meet the demands of the job anymore. Highly physical jobs will have people retiring earlier because of injuries and not being able to keep the pace anymore. More intellectual jobs will see workers staying on longer. Then again, if Alzheimers strikes one of these people then they will have to retire. It is truly subjective and an individualized decision.
Jack: If there are no health issues a person should be able to work until age 70. Many might work longer, but until a person reaches 70 years of age, most of the earned income goes to taxes. No one will let their social security sit in the government's hands past 65 years of age. The problem lies with people between 65 to 70 years of age. Wages during these years are mostly going up in federal and state income taxes, but this changes once a person reaches 70.
People have things all backwards. When we are young and raising children we work all day long. When the children leave we quit work and have nothing to do. So I suggest everyone retire at 18 and then go back to work at 50. This system would allow for an accurate computation of the cost of social security from 18 to 50 and then young folks can't complain about taking care of old geezers while they work all day.
I think it depends on the job, Jack. high stress jobs like flying (which was my profession), air traffic controller. underground mining, truck driving, offshore oil rig work and others with both physical and mental pressures wear a worker out by the time they are 60.
I know that in my case, I could feel myself slipping in my mid 50's. I just wasn't as sharp as I should have been when flying and retired early at age 57.
probably saved me from either a heart attack or stroke.
Jack, when I was 30 years old I used to dream about retiring and going hunting and fishing with my grandchildren. I am now 65 years old and that dream has become a fantasy. I worked at a physical job all my life with arthritis that caused that dream to be a fantasy. So you can see why I think the retirement age should not go higher then 65 years old. Who would've thought after seeing what France look like right WWII ended, their people would be retiring at a younger age then American people.
There is nothing wrong with the French Jack. They actually stand up to the corporatist agenda of making us all slaves to the Capitalists, the Internation Bankers, and the War Profiteers. If America was half as brave France there would probably cease to be war, hunger, and injustice in this world. But of course this message doesn't serve your boss' interest so it will be promptly deleted and my message likely forwarded to the authorities....
I don't believe there is a specifice age that is right for retirement, it is up to the individual and their situation. The bigger problem in this country is that most employers don't want older workers. When I was in my 20's and 30's, when I went on a job interview, I usually came away with a job offer.
I was laid off from my job at the end of December 2009 and now at 58 years, with broad experience and a strong work ethic (I am not sure the 20 and 30 somethings even know what that is) I have been unable to land a new job after approximately 25 interviews.
Just let me add one thought - the individuals who think that unemployment benefits are responsible for the continuing high unemployment rate are idiots. I have been begging the headhunters to find me work, answering job postings daily and calling anybody who I think might be able to help me. Unemployment checks in NY are paltry and only a small help toward my basic living expenses and health insurance premiums.
Jack, could you use a seasoned executive assistant?
I believe when one is financially secure and they are ready to do so, then that will be the appropriate age to retire. We simply cannot put an age on something and market it as a one size fits all for everybody. On an unrelated note, I happen to believe people should be able to vote at 16 because many people pay income taxes at that age.
We do not all age the same way and should not be expected to retire at the same age with the same economic circumstances. With social security looking more and more like welfare (at least that's the account group in which the government puts the expenditures), it's time to drop employment penalties for working while on social security.
With Obamacare now a reality blanketing almost the entire country we can all expect to live much longer. Therefore, retirement should not be allowed before age 80 with social security kicking in at age 85. That will reduce the deficit and insure the financial stablility of social security until, , at least, 2250. And the bill that enactes these requirements should be entitled OBAMALOGIC.
Gary Boyd in Scottsdale, Arizona
Jack: Since you are such a seasoned media principal-–you tell me- -When someone decides to retire-- nobody knows the difference.
The worst of work nowadays is what happens to people when they cease to work.
According to the Republicans they would like for you to work until you drop so they would not have to pay out any money. I think age 62 is a nice age and you can work part time and let some one else have the full time job.
The right age to retire depends on when you want to and when you can afford it.
ASAP whic means when yo can afford it, unless you have no imagination or other intrests Unfortunately, the economy is forcing more people to work longer. We ae moving toward the 4rd world stand of a few rich and the rest poor.
The right age to retire is when you can afford it and when you want to. Unfortunately, a lot of us have no choice. Those who are lucky enough not to have been forced out of the workplace for the crime of getting old, may not be able to retire at all for lack of money.
But using the French as an example is a red herring. The French would complain if their retirement age was lowered to 30.
Twenty years ago, most of the blue collar Europeans and those in the British Isles I knew retired between 50 and 55 and had a pretty good standard of living – even with their 2 month annual vacations!
well it would be like 55 or 60 to enjoy it but in the generation i am in the 30's now there will be no retirement age so it is a non issue from now on retirement is lomng gone from now on except the wealthya nd piliticians and their families the rest of us it no longer exisit
In America, retirement starts the day an individual gets 'free' money from the government. In some groups, the perpetual retirement career path is passed down from deadbeat to deadbeat.
It mostly depends on the job. There aren't many construction workers in their 90s! Police, firefighters and members of the military retire early due to the physical and mental stress of their jobs. Not everyone can find a desk job in their 60s. I'm only 54 and can't find work.
I don't think there is a "right" age to retire. If one has made some serious plans for retirement and has the money to fulfill them then I think that's great, but most people haven't made serious plans for retirement so the best thing for them to do is probably keep working so they will stay happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise. My dad retired when he was 65, he lived until he was 93, all he did was piddle around the house and little by little took over my mom's chores, which meant she didn't have anything to do. Mom checked out at 80 probably for want of something better to do, or to at least start doing something again on the other side. Dad wound up with Alzheimer's after she died, probably because he was so damned depressed and no longer felt useful having no one to look after anymore. Keep working as long as you can or at least, for as long as you want to.
Geri, Mead, OK
60 – 65 years of age is perfect for someone to retire & enjoy their life with love ones.
Reality, that won't happen. Why? Because the purpose for Social Security was to never really to take care of the retiree. The government was wishing & expecting most of them would die before they reach that age.
But, the generation "baby boomers" and as many people watch what they eat, workout & live healthier lifestyle they are living longer that we will have no money to take care of our people.
In addition, many private sectors don't really have nothing save up for many of them. It's sad & this needs to change. I hope this will be taken care of with this administration.
If not change will happen but with a hefty price.
Jack,
The right age to retire is, 68. Unfortunately, there are too few jobs for younger workers entering the work force without more older workers retiring.... Everyone is competing for the few jobs in this global economy.....
After having to deal with the French Labor Laws when our US company shut down it's French operation, I for one think it is about time something is done. The employees were given 5 years of unemployment plus retraining and I can not remember the rest but there was more. In France it is almost like have a life time job once a company becomes incorporated in that country. As far as this counrty goes the, working for the goverment is a gravey train. Retirement at 67 would be a joke to them, they are out by age 55 with the years in at full retirement. I was forced to retire when the company closed at 62 whit a 30% reduction in retirement. Gee but I don't have to slave for anyone anymore but myself.
Whenever you run out of juice or when it's no longer fun it's time to hang it up. Providing you can afford to of course
I'm now 68 and having more fun in my job then I ever had. Maybe it's because I don't have to work – but want to – OR maybe it's because I was part of the drug, sex and rock n roll culture during the 60's and 70's and took my job for granted. Now I just want to do a good job for the people that rely on me. So I'll keep going until I feel it's time to finally quit. Or am asked to
Good question Jack
We should be able to retire when we can afford to do so. I believe given the current statistics of our health, 65-67 is about right for us to tap our social security funds. France is a great "bell weather" as to what can happen when Federal spending out strips its income and can not longer enable retirement. FDR created our social security to better enable retirement and to enable us to put our money aside for it. Since then it has been Democrats who have voted to tap and tax our retirement monies to be used for purposes other than our retirement, i.e. a further tax on us. Now we must work longer to fund government. That's not right. Thomas Jefferson is rolling over in his grave. Hardly the frugal Federal system he proposed in "the pursuit of happiness".
When YOU want to! I am retired and am just as busy now as before retirement. Stay busy with whatever you want to do. I love not 'working'.
Here in America we need to create a 'bridge' of community volunteerism between work and retirement. Set the retirement age to 70, but with full Social Security and Medicare benefits as long you contribute 300 volunteer hours to community service between the years of 67 and 70. Any number of service opportunities could be set up by local governments and schools which would lower costs and improve communities and education. Those who don't do service work would get $5000 less in SS benefits and pay a little more in out of pocket costs for medicare from age 67 to 70.
Retirement is many things to many people. Just because you stop working does not mean that you have to retire. There are many other things to keep you and your mind occupied without having to punch a time clock. I think the right age to retire is when you can afford to do so and not by the number of years our government decides to attach to retirement age. We all know just how wrong our government can be and they sure as hell don't have a clue as to when to tell a person it's time to stop working. Had they kept their greedy little fingers off of social security in the first place this would not be an issue now.
Since I'm 58 that seems like a number...but if I have to, I can make it to 60 or 62...maybe even 65...but that's as far as I'm willing to go.
If the economy continues at the pace that it is,I won't have to worry about what age to retire. Social security will have been depleated before I have a chance to collect,I'll probably be dead since the middle class is damn near extinct !!!!
55 unless you are in an executive type position. Working till your 62 or 65 or whatever is fine if you are in an upper management position, however try working over 55 as a pleb or a labourer at that age...just rediculous...you just become a nuisance...I know cause I am!!
Jack, the answer will depend on the individual. Many can choose early retirement, here in Canada, for example, but receive reduced government pension payments. Others may choose to retire at 65 and receive the maximum benefits depending how much they have paid into the plan over their working years. My advice is to envision what you will do when you retire while you are currently working and be mentally and psychologically better able to fill in and cope with those hours you devoted to the work part of your day. Those are the hours you will have to fill with some activity to keep yourself occupied.
Hey, Jack: The retirement age should be raised to age 70. The French are really weak aren't they to complain about their retirement age rise to 62? Hope Sarcozy sticks to his guns, and does not allow the mob to dissuade him.
The right age to retire is when you can afford to retire, and not be forced to retire by our youth-obsessed culture. Even though "experts" say that a job can alleviate boredom, improve physical health and provide older people with a schedule, what they simply do not grasp is that "older people" who lost jobs through no fault of their own are looked on as pariahs by hiring managers. I could easily become an "expert" - any job offers out there?
With people living alot longer, the age to retire should be raised to 68. It is a waste for people to go any earily. The social security system is sound, but this would make it even more so.
I have a great aunt that still tutors english at 105 years of age. I have a couple of co-workers that work as security guards that are in their 80's. My parents retired in their early seventies and moved in with me. My plan is to ride my motorcycle until I crash and die. For most Americans retirement is a foriegn concept. We don't have savings. We don't have plans. Our investments all go down a deep dark drain on Wallstreet. The right age of retirement is the day we die.
Retirement is a luxury, not a right. SSI was intended to insure you had some money if you were lucky enough to live beyond the normal life expectancy or cease to be able bodied. There is no reason that a perfectly capable American could not keep working until they are in their 70's. If they can afford to retire earlier on their own dime, then fine, do so. But SSI is a ponzi scheme. The government hasn't been taking all that money from our paychecks and setting it off to the side waiting for us to hit retirement age, they send to someone already drawing a check or shift the money from the SSI plan altogether to pay for some other idiotic idea they have.
Jack,
The right answer is never. Sure, you can leave your current job and move on to something else, maybe even something that doesn't pay anything. As long as your income (pension, Social Security, dividends, etc.) meets or exceeds your outgo, you'll be okay. And if you're doing something you really enjoy, hobby, community service or whatever, your retirement can be full and rewarding. Retiring used to mean leaving active work, taking up the rocking chair, and waiting to die. In this day and age, I say never!
Jim
Reno, Nevada
When you feel like it. I retired for the second time at sixty five, didn't last long, started my own business and work when and how much I want to for the past five years. I always make sure there is plenty of time to travel, play golf and spend time with the grandchildren, so far it has worked out just as I want it.
Jack, that's the wrong question! The question should be: How long will you have to work to "BE ABLE" to retire? If you're broke, you sure can't stop working, even if you want to. So your question is pointless. Those who have worked and saved and carefully handled their money can retire anytime they damn well please. Those who have made economic mistakes, well, they'll just keep on plugging unit they are carried out.
When you can afford it. Most people dont have a residual income large enough to sustain a decent living. Plan ahead, dont believe you will have an easy retirement just because social security exists. You have to know what you are going to receive, and plan for it.
Retire when technology is getting to you. When your workplace makes
changes for the sake of making changes. Constant changes will
make you insecure. Insecurity causes stress. Stress effects the
body and mind.
Our esteemed congress has done everything in it's power to see that we have to work till we drop dead. Years of deregulation and turning a blind eye to corporate and Wall Street crimminal activity, has made it impossible for the middle class to ever retire. People that are currently working in their 80's and 90's have to work because their savings have been wiped out by the thugs that dominate our economy.
Wow, there are so many variables that could influence when the best age to retire would be like physical or mental health, financial status, industry, technology, love of profession, commitment to a cause, etc. I guess it would be nice if people had the flexibility to retire as their specific situations dictate. Then there are people who retire from salaried jobs but continue to work on a voluntary basis. In answer to your question, the best age to retire is when it's the best age or time for the individual.
It's probably whatever age you were when the economy collapsed in 2008.
sixty five yrs old is the age for retirement.
Jack, it is time to retire when you cannot function adequately. With current health of people, 70 would be a good age.
In this era of middle class extinction, a time of down sizing wages, benefits, perpetual inflation, life savings cash in because of unemployment, forget retirement. That is the tale for most of us.
Jack, we are on the brink of a cultural revolution bigger than the Industrial Revolution. Robots will be doing everything. Retirement will be the bulk of our lives.
A relatively short stint of public service like the Peace Corps will engender a sense of civic responsibility, but its benefit will be more social cohesion than practical accomplishment.
I think that all public pension/retirement (federal, state, any civil service and Social Security) should be set to the same age..... if its 62 then its 62 for all, if its 67 then its 67 for all...
Actually, just like Bill Clinton merged SS receipts into the general fund, why not blend SS and all public pensions... ???
Watch how quickly civil servants get things straightened out when they realize their pension fund is drying up...!!
Whatever age you were when you lost your job.
when you're mad as hell and just can't take it anymore!
Age 65 is close to the realistic age for one to retire from working for a living. It is unrealistic to consider raising the age beyond 65. Sixtyfive should be the outside for retirement. Why? One reason is because there are less and less career type jobs that will aloow for a worker to retire with a pension. Another is the pure fact that employers do not want older workers on their payroll because of health care costs, higher wages to be be paid, and paying out retirement benefits. Still another is the health of workers period after age 65. Many will not be able to do the work expected or demanded of the job simply because physical abilities having lessened. Employers want young, healthy and newly educated cheaper workers and will have no place for old people after an age far below 65. Ask any 50 year old seeking employment. The longer a worker works, the less jobs are available for the younger workers entering the job market. If anything, the retirement age should be lowered to open the door for more job seekers.
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
According to the Republicans that would be: Never
When you can afford to... with shrinking or disappearing retirement plans, years of unemployment, recessions and wage depression that probably means that the right age for most of us is going to be when we die.
Sandra in Arkanasas
I think 60 is the right age to retire. But that being said a lot of people that retire die early , so maybe there's something about working that keeps you going and interesting. A friend retired at 50 and others that retired with him about half of them have died.
Jack,
Life is backwards. At 67, I've figured it out. We go to college and retire at 25 and start working at 40. Then we work until 80. That way we can enjoy retirement in good health and apply wisdom when we are working. Somehow I am having trouble selling this idea.
Chatham VA
tampa, fl well i would still be working ( i'm mow 58), but i became disabled 6 years ago due to working in a building with black mold. i can tell you that living on a fixed income with no options for part time employment is extremely difficult. just who would hire a disabled person anyway in this job market? hopefully i will die before my credit cards are completely maxed out.
I have never given it any thought since I will not be able to anyway.
Well, two years ago my fahter lost his job, due to the economy. He was 87 at the time.
And, in this economy no one will be able to afford to retire anyway, except those who have huge savings and investment. And that for sure lets out about 60% of the work force today!
Maybe we should tie the retirement age to the unemployment rate. When there are too many jobs and not enough workers, force people to stay on the job longer. If there are too many workers and not enough jobs, force them to retire earlier.
The "tradition" should remain. Age 62 and 65 to collect Social Security.
It's a disgrace that older people have to work longer because of the
incompetencies of the government agencies. It's about priorities,
of which the older generation is at the bottom of the list. Has
Congress ever heard of arthritis, spine problems, vision problems, etc. How many older people will HAVE TO work , struggling with all
of their age related ailments. It's pitiful!
To be able to retire you of course need enough $$ saved up and that is getting harder and harder to do especially if you don't have a job. The other aspect is that more Americans have to depend on SS which is going to run out of $$. Also if our government doesn't stop the senseless spending then the answer is there may never be a time to be able to retire unless you rank in the category of the super wealthy.
65 is just not a realistic retirement age any more. Back in 1935 when the age of 65 was set, the average American was expected to live to around 60 years. Only about a quarter of the population lived past 65 and their life expectancy was only around 5 years past 65. Today, the average life expectancy is around 78 years. That means the majority of people will collect social security and for an average of 13 years or more. It doesn't take a math whiz to figure out that the formula is no longer sound. We have no other choice but to raise our retirement age to better reflect the change in life expectancy.
Fifty sounds good to me.
There is no right age no more than there is a right age to die.
This is simple–the right age to retire is when you can afford it. If you can't, then don't.
I am actually one of the "lucky" people who has a job that is always in demand and not that many people are able to do it....at least for very long. I am a special education teacher. So, if I stay healthy I'm sure I could drop dead of old age right in the classroom.....and I will probably have to.
Jack,
The retirement age shouldn't go beyond 67 years of age.
Most folks who work in manual labor for most of their working years are pretty worn out at the present age for full retirement. Most of the folks I know who worked in manual labor positions didn't last long after they retired. I'd hate to see retirement extended to 70 years old.
Congress forgetting most Americans don't sit behind a desk.
The big question is, does Congress want boomers to die off before they can collect anything after all those years they contributed to social security?
Well, Jack, after being unemployed for 2 1/2 years and using up all my savings, I have to quote Tennessee Ernie Ford: "St. Peter don't you call me cause I can't go, I owe my soul to the company store."
after your question jack i have crunched some numbers and decided that i will be able to retire modestly. i just hope that 120 gets here soon
In this unholy era of Big Government, I guess the best time to retire is when you're too senile to remember to pay your taxes.
I am 63 and will stop working in October this year. I work 20 hours a week, do love my job, but there are other things I also love that I want to give my attention to. It seems the right action for now.
If you're a teacher, the right retirement time is when you stop connecting with students.
I am only 29, but I definitely do not see myself wanting to work past the traditional retirement age of 65. When I reach that age, my view maybe different. But for now, please don't make me work more than I have to, just to earn my social security check.
Boston, MA
There is only ONE reliable gauge of when a person should retire, that is how much physical work has the person done. Those who sit in an office all day, never breaking a sweat in their entire life should work until 70 years of age. Those who work at picking up garbage all day or digging in a mine should be able to retire at 50.
The ways of the world have NEVER been fair to those who work hard and sweat out their daily bread. The poorer one is, the harder they work and the longer they work because they cannot afford to retire. Those are the one's who "die on the job."
The odd thing is, those on Wall Street and in the financial markets and banking work until they are 75 or 80 or even longer, NOT because they cannot afford to reitre, but because their body is not taxed by hard work and sweat, so they greedily continue to work and build up even more wealth.
when you can afford it or your health dictates it.
The age when you have accumulated more money than you could possibly spend over the rest of your lifetime. This would be a good time to leave the workforce and allow someone else to earn a living.
Janice
Bellingham
Hi Jack,
I feel 65 would be the right age to retire, but after 58 everyone should be encouraged to go for semi retirement by reducing the work hours. This way there will always be job opportunities available and older folks can work without getting stressed out.
The right age is whenever a person thinks it right for her/him. It WILL be 66 for me. My financial plan is geared for age 66 and I am actually ahead of schedule. The personal savings looks fine. The 401k is in good shape. I'm 61 and have only four more house payments remaining. I don't buy anything unless I need it. Oh, and the best part, I have only me to be concerned about. Color me happy Jack.
How can you even suggest a retirement age during these economic times? If you have a job you will keep working, if you don't have a job you will be retired. It's not as if anyone over 50-55 even has a choice. If you are without a job at that age no one is going to hire you.
I am creeping up on serious thought about retiring. I am 58 and have watched the retirement age go into the "upper 60's". If you are still welcome in your workplace (sometimes they don't give you a choice whether you want to continue to work or not) and if you still enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work every day, then more power to you. Continue to work until the desire is gone. If you are not welcome in the workplace, and still want to do something, try to find satisfaction in whatever job comes your way. There is no right age to retire. You know the saying, "you are as young as you feel".
Whenever you can afford to live at the means you want for the remainder of your life.
If you are in the age group that is now between 65 and 80 many of them would probably say the would like to work well into their 70s, but if you are of the younger generation between 50 and 65 the answer would be around 60 years of age. I an 54 and I feel 65 is right about the correct age unless you can afford to retire younger.
As soon as I can or before the age of 65.
I am now 77 and still employed full time in a demanding job. I feel fortunate to be healthy enough to do so, but given that I am, I see the benefits of staying active in both mind and body. I plan to continue so long as I feel I am contributing. I have a boss who will not hesitate to put me to pasture when I am not. I am puzzled why I should be receiving Social Security payments when I did not request them or need them. I see no reason why the retirement age should not be raised for those able to work.
Crofton, Maryland
Bill, The best age to retire is clearly 21 – immediately after college graduation. Unfortunately, my size ( nearly 6 ft and 200 lbs) will likely deter Melinda Gates from allowing me to crawl into her womb and be born a Gates. So that retirement age is eliminated.
If someone could tell me when I'm going to die then I would be happy to give a date. As it is, I need to work 8 more years till I'm 66 and have paid off the house. Scared to make it on 401K's, Social Security and misc retirement accounts. The day I turn 59 1/2 all my 401K are coming out of the market. I'd rather make 2.5% at the credit union that the negative 8% I've been running for the past 2 years. Had planned on jumping ship at 62 but now I'm afraid Wall Street has drained our financial pond and there's nothing left but the pond scum.
The government says working till you die is a good thing. Doesn't this remind you of Boxer from Animal Farm?
Whenever you have enough money. That could be 45, 55, or 65. Why are you still working Jack – do you need a loan ? The kindly gentleman with the gray beard is standing nearby.
I get tired of the argument that just because the life expectancy increases that the retirement age should also increase. The bigger question is whether or not the quality of life is also increasing along with life expectancy. Living a few years longer at a diminished quality of life still doesn't enable older people to continue working to an older age.
Retire when your income will remain adequate to make you happy. That take good planning and some luck. I made it out at 58.
Let's be real about this. No matter their expendable income, some folks hate retirement and some can't wait. Some can't wait to get another job after their wife's daily "to-do-list" sends them to the unemployment office.
You heard the old saying, "familiarity breeds contempt". I'm now looking for a maid and a job. Don't retire guys, you'll be longing for your old boss sooner than you think.
I think 60 is a good number. After working for 45 years I might want a bit of time off to enjoy life and not have some bureaucrat tell me when it is good for them for me to retire. They only want me to keep paying in because they need my contribution to fund all those other programs. It is a bunch of BS!
Jack,
I am 70 years old and I will let you know the ideal age to retire when I get there! I am on the job now so I can't talk long. Have a GREAT DAY!
If you enjoy your work and your employer considers you to be a competent and productive employee keep on working as long
as your health permits.
55 sounds good to me.
The right age to retire is completely up to the individual, but there should be more education at a younger age to plan for retirement. If you wish to retire at 62 instead of 65, teach the person how to achieve this. We can't expect society to pay for everything when the shifting age distribution of our population is unsupportable. On the flip side, when the population distribution shifts back in 30 years, will we lower the retirement age and give back to the people, or will the politicians just pocket it and waste it.
Retirement opens the way for young workers. 65 is a good age if a worker wants to have some time to do all the things he would like before he is not able because of failing health. When a person holds on to a job until old age he really is a taking job from a young worker
The right age to retire is the split second that one can afford it. Working after that is a surrogate for purposeful activity and a terrible waste. Retired people have the time to excoriate their beloved government and it's incompetent political leaders - this takes incredible amounts of time and energy! Fortunately medical research has shown that people who consume beverage alcohol tend to avoid heart attacks - hey, we have to take something beneficial in light of our once great empire going down the drain on a daily basis! Besides, it's kind of fun to ruminate, fumigate, and growl at the Washington Circus. Another generous dollop of booze and they can bring in the clowns!
There is no correct answer for a given person for there are many factors to consider, such as health,interests and financial situation. The question should be at what age will the government give you money. I think that age must be linked to life expectancy and economic need. Somehow we need to downsize Social Security over time.
"Doing a lousy job Wolfi. Megan McCain is destroying her Dads name to slander Sarah, but it can only backfire on her later in life."
The right age to retire should be an individual choice. The minimum age to retire should be 70.
Frank Lloyd Wright worked on the Guggenheim Museum for 16 years until he died in 1959 at 92. That's what we should aspire to if we can maintain our health. Retiring at 62 is just lazy!
as soon as you can afford it.
I think the right age to retires is about 2 years before I die – just long enough to use up my leftover vacation.
Regardless of the age, it should be based on an actuarial analysis so you do get the employee/employer money paid in back as a benefit. I like the fact you can retire early and take less dollars or later and take more dollars. I don't plan on needing it for my retirement, but is nice to know it is there and not just a tax on my life's earnings.
you should retire when ready and not be afraid as many do that life will come to an end soon after you do BULL.
Once retired you should do what you feel like even if it means inventing things to do such as such as doing what you wished you could but could not when working and
MOST OF ALL RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELF
You assume people must depend on the Government to retire. Retire whenever you can afford to retire. Now if you wait on the Government to get your money back in retirement, realize the Government has already spent it. With that thought, I would say that the safest time to retire is at the age of 70 years. Interesting how Washington thinks individuals cannot manage their money while all along the Government has been the worse possible manager of these funds.
Well, I'm 48 and my eye doctor won't let me drive: Yet I don't qualify for disability because I don't have enough work credits. So when my husband (who's 69 in Dec and already on SSI) passes on, I'll end up as a burden on society. So, l guess it depends on the circumstances.
Owls Head NY
There probably is no RIGHT age to retire – it depends on an indivudual's circumstances. However, in my opinion, government subsidized pensions (including social security) should not kick in until age 65.
Canton, PA
The right age to retire is when you have no more life in you. Life is good if you have a comfortable income but young people will not be out of debit until they are much older than their parents and grandparents retirement age. Working does keep you younger. I retired in '97 and have worked (no pay) ever since, I can still run. If I had just sat the last dozen years I'd be died.
I think 62 is a good year to retire.I was a Union Electrician for 43 years and if I retire at 62 it will leave spaces for the younger guys to work.Plus you are not going to be as productive as the years go by.Retire and enjoy the time you have left.
I think that the retirement age should be lowered to 62 so that we older folks can move on to other goals in our lives and, most importantly, open needed jobs for the younger folks.
65! Granted that a lot of today's "seniors" don't really resemble the seniors of the past – I'm certainly glad to see we're moving away from white cotton hairdo's & polyester pants (leave that to the 90+ crowd). Today's seniors seem to be more vibrant, more together & still full of energy. Although it may not make sense for the nations economy these days, I still think the perfect retirement age is 65. Old enough to be deserving of it & still young enough to actually ENJOY it!
When you are unable to comfortably work. Do you really want to be old and broke?
When a person becomes physically or mentally unable to continue their work, regardless of age. A Doctor should make the determination.
I'm out of work 6 years, no prospects, dying of a chronic disease, yeah its time.
Damn this country and all who govern her, especially the GOP. You lied.
And I'm 55.
I am of the sentiment I will work until I no longer can or want to. I suppose the "right" age to retire is the age at which you can afford it. If you can't be self sustaining in retirement it isn't your time. As for me, I have always envisioned working and can't contemplate not showing up to do a job.
65, is the right age to retire, hell if you wait longer you'll never live to enjoy retirement. The American longevity is dropping compared to European life span.
Eliminate mandatory retirement altogether. Why is 62 better or worse to retire than 65 or 67 or whatever??
People know their circumstances best and should be the ones to decide and not governments. Contrary to popular belief...Governments do not always know what's best for us!
62 is a good age to retire. It leaves most people with some good years left for enjoying life. Whenever I hear people say that they can't retire anytime soon, I always think that they just need to learn to live on less. It CAN be done! Until people learn to do so they will work themselves into the grave – literally!
I think that retirement should be individualized. Retirement should not be forced issue. It should be determined by the individuals abiltiy to work.
Not exactly sure what a "right time" is for retirement, but I do know keeping older people in the workforce longer increases the pool of workers available. This decreases wages for everyone across the board. I can almost guarantee it's the corporate elites trying to push social security retirement to 70 years old for cheaper wages.
Not only that, the longer these older people stay in the workforce, the less jobs will be available for younger folks. I'd honestly rather have an older person retired, not taking a potential job away from a younger person who has nothing to retire on.
Work at a law school and love my job. Really enjoy dealing daily with people (students & facullty) who have not only intelligence and a good sense of humour, but are, on the whole, grounded in the reality of the day-in-day-out facts of life. Don't want to retire, ever.
Plantation, Florida
People who perform physically demanding work may not be able to go much past 65 or so, and there should be provisions to deal with them.
Folks like me, who work at a desk, should be able to go longer. There should be some legal protections that let us ramp down but still hang onto our jobs in some reduced fashion.
It's time to disabuse ourselves of the notion that we can hang 'em up at 62 and have younger taxpayers take care of us. We have skills and experience to share.
I enjoy working, for all the reasons you noted in the article. I am sure anyone physically not able to work beyond 60 will have some provisions made for them. If you are fortunate to work in a career you like, with great people, retirement isn't so attractive.
It is different for all. I think when you can afford to retire and when you get burned out then it is time for YOU.
I've seen too many people stay too long in corporations to the point where they were stuck in the past, weren't learning anything new, and were standing in the way of progress. That's why I retired on my 65th birthday.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
For most of Congress, apparently this fall will be a good time to retire 🙂 For myself, I would like to keep working as long as I am healthy and mentally alert enough to do it. I can easily picture working into my seventies with no complaints.
Jack,
There is no right age to retire. You should retire when you have enough money to support yourself and not be a burden to your family. In this economy, many Americans may not be able to retire until they are six feet under. We will be able to rest then.
The right age retirenment should be capped at 55.
Jack, the right age to retire should be about 55 or 60, and us old folks could let the younger generations take their places in a productive society. However, I know that there are people who have to continue working past the time when they should be relaxing and being entertained by their grand-kids, and that's a shame. I also know that there are women who have to work to contribute to their husbands income to support the family, and that's a shame.
On the other hand there are too many seniors and too many women who hold good paying jobs just because they don't want to retire, or because they want a new car every two years, or because little Johnny wants to go to the best school that money can buy in his new BMW. So as long as we have this idea that we can never have too much I guess some of us will never retire.
Jack
I am 71, working because I love it; my friends who sit and do nothing are dying off. When there is not enough to do; I pick out a project like remodeling a friends house where we all work together; Built a parade float 2 years ago.Yet I give great thanks to SS; When my import export Biz tanked due to 9/11; i saved my house by going on SS early. Yeah there is a lot of criticism, but we all need a safety net for bad times or Maloff. This safety net includes unemployment extended by Demo vote; The repubs w3ould have us starve over balancing a budget they never did. There is an R in squandeR.
Jon in Cal.
A legal age is needed for obvious reasons but traditional retirement is history due to dramatic social shifts and a changing economy. More older adults want to work in their 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond but are seeking more flexibility in the workplace, such as reduced hours and freedom to explore their creativity and interests. At ReServe, a NYC based organization I work for, we provide opportunities for 55+ professionals who want to contribute their skills to nonprofits and public agencies for a modest stipend ($10 per hour). Most of our participants don't consider themselves retired and don't want to retire. We provide a cost-effective way of linking them to a broad cross-section of opportunities that allow them to put their talents and their social capital to work for the greater good.
My dad works part time. Until recently he was working four days a week at a relatively easy job, no stress, after a full career as a teacher. He is 84. Now he works about two days a week. I think his biggest problem is that so many of his old teacher friends who retired early are no longer living. They aged quickly and dad still is in good health. Retired people don't need the stressful jobs so many have – they just need jobs that keep them active and thinking.
I returned to law school at the age of 53 after 25+ years in high tech, I finished my law degree and passed the state bar just in time for the economy to fall flat on its face. Am I discouraged? Sometimes. Am I quitting? Absolutely not. I now have two part-time companies - one back in high tech and my fledging law practice. No one ever guaranteed me a job or owes me one. As for retiring ... I might work part-time, but I just cannot see myself not working at all. What fun is in that? There's just too much in learning and creating new ideas...
NEVER I;m 75 and still at it. Keep the mind and body working. Remember . you don;t use it you lose it. .
The right age to retire is when you have about five years of ACTIVE life left. Of course, that advice is similar to the advice given to someone who asked a fellow bus passenger what stop he should get off at, and was told, "Watch me, and get off the bus two stops before I do."
Easy question for my wife and me. You retire when you have acheived an age at which you still are in good health, and have saved and invested wisely (with the advice of professionals).
We both retired at age 59, moved to a larger house, enjoy our
Yard work "hobby" and do not worry in the least about finances.
In other words, we are comfortable, healthy, financially secure and enjoy life. It required planning ahead.
With the economy as it is, one retires when they loose their job and are too old for anyone to hire them.
Ideally, the right age for one to retire depends more on an individual's calculus of their own expenses, their anticipated income, their physical health & professional capacities much more than what the government declares as an appropriate age; at it's essence, it is a personal decision. Your question though, I think, is directed more at what the government "should" declare as the age for starting to receive social security benefits. Given the 78 million baby boomers entering the age of 65 years and beyond (& the huge fiscal burden this will place on our shrinking base of taxpayers), I don't think it's unreasonable to transition "retirement" to the eligible age of 70. Many of us are living well into our 80's & 90's, and to be on "the dole" for 15-20 years should be enough to reward those who supported social security during their working careers.
I retired at age 56 at $88,000 a year in pensions and I will receive another $14,000 in SS when I reach age 62. I had to work a lot of overtime my last two years which is hard when you're in your fifties. I think a fair retirement age is 53.
Retirement is a state of mind. Some retire to selfish, meaningless pursuits, others retire to service within the communities and families and other worthy causes. Retiring with no purpose has no purpose. I think we should be allowed to work as long as we are able and feel that we are contributing.
62 is good average. Having said that i think it depends on the type of work you do. someone who works behind a desk may work into there 70s but, someone who works construction or some other physical job will wear your body out. Can you see the guys on the crab boats at 70?
dear Jack
I love your show and your kind a cute too! I live in a country where people can work until they are 70 and can choose earlier retirement if they can afford to that is . I am 61 and had to retire several years ago from nursing due physical disability. All nurses are expected to work like 22 year olds so I am a little poorer and a lot happier for doing so. I feel one should have a choice based on the type of work they do and the state of their health We need bettter pension plans in western societies like Canada and the US
a devoted fan
Anne
It must be nice to have the option of retirement. After putting 3 kids through college, IRA's & 401K crushed a couple years ago, and a long spell of unemployment, well it simply isn't possible anymore.
For this, I send my deepest thanks to the GOP. Thanks for plowing the economy into the ground.
Retirement age is a personal decision based upon numerous factors.
I think the better question is at what age should a person be eligible for Social Security? In my humble opinion, benefits should only be made available to those people who have lived past the statistical life expectancy. Until that point, each person is fully accountable to be self sufficient.
I would like to have retired at 30 and then renewed work at 60 until I die. That way I would be doing what I want to do - and enjoying life as well.
The right age to retire is when you have saved enough money to finance your expected remaining years of life, allowing also for the unexpected emergency. When did these simple concepts of saving begin to elude the American worker? Social Security was not created to replace good retirement planning; it was created to ensure that our elderly would not live in abject poverty as they were during the Great Depression. Any younger person in the workforce knows that the largesse we have granted to our elderly will not be there for them and they must plan acccordingly.
the right age is when you feel like it.
if you can't afford it, don't retire.
When you are financially able to or when you want. Two different things. Some folks love their careers and want to keep working, fine. Others want to retire and can't.
I am a Baby Boomer, my generation has not been wise with their money. We have been irresponsible, let's face it. I have a friend who has spent money freely, ran up debt, even declared bankruptcy! She & her husband wont be able to retire.
Please do not blame the economy or Obama or any one but yourselves! Take responsibility for your choices.
Dave Ramsey, has a saying I love, "Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else."
Our grandparents and parents had it right, "a penny saved, is a penny earned."
When ever you can afford to!! I would like to spend my golden years with the family, watching the sunsets on the Beach, seeing old friends, helping others and most of all pursuing Spirituality.. Only so much materialism one can stand!!
When you can afford it, and want to and/or have things you want to do in retirement.
Whenever you have enough to retire.
There is no right age to retire as long as people in their 60s are making a choice to work or not to work based on their living conditions and their health conditions.
I could retire right now at age 56 but somehow it doesn't feel right. I think the best time to consider retiring is when you both feel ready and are financially able to retire.
There is no set age that is right to retire. People should retire when they've reached a time in their lives that they feel they don't need it. Obviously it should be later than earlier life, but it depends on health, money, and several other factors.
You talk about working into your 90s? Most businesses want you out the door by the time you are 50. They only way people work that long is if they own a business themselves. Age discrimination in the workplace is rampant.
I think the right age to retire is at 67-70 years old.
Jack, based on some of these posts, I think people should retire when they no longer can spell. Unfortunately, that would make retirement age about 13 or 14 here in the U.S..
I am two months from 65, if I thought that I had to retire, I would be contemplating suicide.
Jim, Craig, CO
ASAP because I want the my Social Security that I have paid in before the government spends it all
The right time to retire will come when I can no longer keep up with myself.
As to the French retirement age being raised and the French people's complaints about it, "oh, cry me a river." Seems to be the way of the world now, Jack. As for me, with a job that helps me meet my basic needs and gives me personal fulfillment to boot, I'd not put an age on when I'd retire...that said, I haven't yet pinned that job down. Nonetheless, I think I'll ponder that this evening as I enjoy a nice glass of French Chardonnay after work. Oui' oui'!
I recently turned 70 and have no plans to retire, but that is because I enjoy what I do and can still add value to my firm. That may not always be the case, but I suspect almost anyone would prefer to find something that keeps you alive and active to just vegetating. My dad just celebrated his 93rd and is still very active in serious intellectual pursuits. I'm convinced that this activity is what has kept the fog of Alzheimer's very far away.
My retirement age will be when my body gives out.
The right age to retire is after completing college while we are still young and energetic.
We should collect our pensions and SSA until we are 65 and then we should begin working. This will help reduce the surplus workforce we call unemployed.
In 1987 (I was a Corporate Benefits Manager) I predicted that the Average Age of Retirement would reach age 70 around the turn of the Century (2000). I was only a little off.
The right age to retire is when we can no longer figure out "who" you are Jack!
When my wife tells me it the right time to retire!!!!
The age to retire is when you think you have enough money to last you until death. This includes pensions, costs of living increases, funds paid for medical care. If I had enough at age 18, I would have retired then.
Hey Jack! I think it's best to retire as early as you can! It's somewhat appalling to think that this country's' workers class is enslaved to the big business gluttons that control this country. It really is modern day slavery when you think about it. The upward mobility with jobs nowadays seems to be dwindling. I would much rather work for myself for 40 years than to work for some fat cat who hasn't lifted a finger except to sign checks.
It's a personal decision. Ironically, if one 'leaves' the decision to someone else, e.g., financial advisor, it is still your opinion to agree or disagree with the 'recommendation' – there's no escape – you must decide. Just recommend the person retiring exercise dilegence that they have enough money for the life-style in retirement they want.
Jack,
I've been so lucky to retire 18 months ago at 52. Living life full everyday. Giving back by volunteering but that's not working. I say it's a good time a's soon a's you can afford it.
Bobby
Stockton, CA
62 is good average. Having said that i think it depends on the type of work you do. someone who works behind a desk may work into there 70s but, someone who works construction or some other physical job will wear your body out. Can you see the guys on the crab boats at 70?I want to enjoy some my life before my health fails.
The Federal Government says 65 and wants to raise it. My boss thinks 50 and keeps dropping it. Since my Social Security check is now based on how much I earned in my working years that twenty years working part time at WalMart sure is going to kill my Social Security check when I finally get to collect it.
C'mon, Jack. That's a sucker's question. If you've got the dough, it's time to go. If you don't, then you need to continue to work and hopefully save enough so you can retire.
Is your question really, "At what age should the working poor be able to retire and survive off of government assistance?"? If so, the peak age (highest monthly benefit) should be age 75 based on current mortality data and still be financially viable for the payor (Fed gov't).
However, ability to retire should be available around age 62 or 65 (early retirement, lower monthly benefit), since people's physical and mental abilities do not deteriorate at uniform levels.
I would also add, that it is unreasonable for a person who has made a career in a physically demanding field to expect to retire comfortably at age 60. For them, perhaps some gov't assistance should be available in the way of job retraining.
Jack, Retirement is what you make it. Just like your job, your marriage, your relationships. If you have a plan youcan retire at any age it is not one age fits all.
The right age to retire? Jack, the way my 401k is going right now, that would be two years after I'm dead.
There is no retirement in reality because most people work until death. We spend all of our lifetime thinking about retirement that we never see or that lasts less than 5 years. Is it worthy to plan 98 years how to live the last two years of your life?
I think people should work as long as have something positive to contribute such as experience, wisdom, enthusiasm. Lots of older people take unpaid work at community organizations. Go older workers!!
Jack, the right age to retire is when you can afford it and not give hoot what CNN thinks!
Unfortunately, there isn't one age to retire. I am an "intellectual" worker who will be 65 in December. I intend, if I can find a new job, to work another three or four years. My husband is a physical worker of 66 and he really needs to retire from climbing ski lift towers in the dead of winter at 11,000 feet, even though he is exceedingly fit for his age.
Do you mean retire or collect SS?
I have never wanted to retire. It is my desire to work at something.
I do plan to collect SS as soon as I can and put it in the bank. Why have the government keep the money to &*)*) away.
At least when that check come once a month, I might feel kindly towards those sell outs in DC.
My plans are basic and my desire is to survive. And if I happen to live long enough - see every one of those jerks out of office!
You got to be kidding me "whatever floats your boat" comment about some Americans working into their 90's. WE HAVE TOO! I am almost 50 and I have 50,000 dollars in my 401k, 21,000 in a Roth, and maybe 12,000 in a money market account and I am in better shape than a lot of others. I am sure social security will not be around for me and my company has no pension. Corporate greed only works for the small percentage at the top and leaves the rest of us working till we die. My plan is to leave this country as soon as possible
Depends on if you have a job or a career. If you have a job you think about what you'll do when you're off, if you gave a career you spend your free time thinking about what you'll be doing when you get back to work.
99% of people would love to be able to retire ASAP. Thank goodness I had a federal government job that took out my retirement before I got my hands on my check. Like many people I wouldn't have saved when I was young.
Retired at 53 and loving it x
Jack, if things are soooo bad in these European countries, who have, by the way total access to health care...why are they mad to retire at 62....might we just be alittle..could we say...better off than Americans...who have no hope of retiring before 62 and might be as me...working well into 70's or 80's and on just to survive?!
I am 87 and do not plan to retire until my dust settles- after I have been cremated.
I live in Hoston and sell land in the TEXAS HILL COUNTRY and would die of boredom if I had nothing to do-beside I have to to keep nnipping at the heels of the pliticians who don't know what to do with their time.
LOU MARTIN
Considering the fact that social security is a joke and will offer very little help if any should I be able to retire . And there's also a good possibility that my 401k will be squandered on some questionable investment scheme created to make a wall street executive rich , at the expense of the middle classes hope for retirement .
I guess most of us will work till we die
Jack: 65 is just fine as is, however we would like you to just keep going Peter in Vermont
If you love your job you never work a day in your life.That's why I will never retire.I hope my last day on earth is at my job.
21 but since i'm way past it 70 is good age,
The French look at the U.S. and see how our quality of life has declined since President Reagan began his assault on labor unions. Many seniors in our society simply cannot afford to retire so they forced to work at fast food joints and Walmart. I applaud the French for learning from our mistakes.
Most of the time it's not in our hands. Businesses tend to find various reasons to terminate their "older" employees. And when that happens there are no other jobs around. Never mind the experience you have or your incredible capabilities because America likes youthful employees. Many people that I know continue to work anywhere they can find a position because they can't afford to retire. Especially since their 401Ks have turned into 101Ks.
When social security was started the age of retirement was higher than the average life. Now people are actually retiring and getting social security so they have to raise the age to balance the books. I suggest everyone do what I did, somewhere in your mid life take a couple of years off. This will be the only chance to retire because you will either die before you retire or you will only live a couple of years after retirement.
Jack you should also look into the marriage age thingy. The government was not very happy about old men getting married to young women and having to pay a pension to the widows for 50 years.
The government only want one thing from you, your money. If they cannot have it they will change the rules to get it another way.
Age 55. If our government would use our tax dollars wisely we could retire and enjoy life a liitle before we die. The powers that be are so out of touch with reality these days. Flexible schedules or working from home would be a godsend. Most Americans are required to work 40 hours a week punching that clock. Baby boomers have had to assist their parents and their children financially. My husband and I have worked 16 hour days for years. We're now in our late 50's and are really tired. No hope for the weary. I wonder how our work force compares to others throughout the world? I just know that our government spends money like there's no tomorrow. And, retired people should have the same health care policy as our Senate and Congress!
monticello,mn usa
There is no retirement in reality because most people work until death. We spend all of our lifetime thinking about retirement that we never see or that lasts less than 5 years. Is it worthy to plan 98 years how to live the last two years of your life?
The right age to retire is 60 years old. This will make room for the younger people to get a job. Also, it’s a big difference between paper pushers and people doing manual labor. Doing manual labor can take a toll on your body over time.
The French are fighting for their government funded penions to remain at age 60, not recognizing their country can't afford it any more than the US can afford our Social Security benefits to be paid out based on the current plan. The question of when to retire is immaterial to this story, the question is whether any of us will get back our Social Security pension funds into which our employers and ourselves paid 15% of our wages. Unless some structural changes are made REALLY quick, some of us better start working on Alpo and Friskies recipies (tastes great with Hamburger Helper).
Jack, some of us are 45+ now and can't find a job - does that mean we're retired?
Personally, I'd like to retire when I'm ready. I don't want anyone to tell me when that should be. Particularly, when no one knows what condition some of the laborers will be in - they may not be able to do their jobs until 60 or even 65. Additionally, if the age is continually extended, when do you rest?
"I should add that is 43-0."
Jack,
We need to scrap Obama Care, Social Security, Medicare, National Institue of Health , student loan program to name just a few programs. We need to lower taxes, increase the national defence budget , protect our friends in Japan Germany South Korea Israel etc...and prepare for the next wallstreet crisis that requires the assistance of the government.
Government is best when it helps the few(elites) hence small government.
Jack:
When we use the word "retirement" these days, it must mean something new. What we are seeing is the collapse of the
"traditional" retirement concept and the intention of the word. If people are workiing until they die, whether they like it or not, retirement is academic. They work to fill needs, personal or could it be...financial!? It is differrent if a movie star works into their nineties than a laid off factory worker, retail clerk or body shop painter. If it simply means no longer working for some employer, then we already have millions of "retired" people. So what if we now raise the age ?
The perfect time to retire is the night before your family puts you in a nursing home. Please pass the butter...I don't want to live that long.
Politicians should be forced to retire, regardless of health, by age 60!
Jack it's more of a money thing than an age thing. If my kids who are 50 and 35 can't save enough to live on they would have to work until the end!
It's funny when people talk about retirement. This is a relatively new concept to humankind. For thousands of years, people worked until they died or became disabled (then their families took care of them). Now so many people 'expect' the government to substitute for family and take care of them and 'expect' their employers to provide pensions. Retirement (in the sense of ceasing income-producing activities and pursuing other activities without financial assistance) is a luxury to be inherited by upper class offspring or to be purchased from years of hard work and prudent savings by the rest of us, not a 'right' owed by any government. Of course, if older people (who tend to have the highest-paying jobs) don't retire, it stunts upward mobility for the middle class.
I hear this question over and over but it's not how old you are that matters. It's the job that you do! How would you like to be 65/70 and working in a coal mine? How about construction like a roofer or an iron worker?
Give me a break, reading words on T.V. like Andy Ronney and your fine for as long as you can do it. I just wish T.V. commentators would think before they pose the questions. Job not age is the issue.
Thanks, Live long and prosper.
G. Cerveny
Tampa,Fl.
If they raised the SS cap, I think 60 tops, for those who so wish. However, in this economic downturn the people you see getting set aside are in their 40s and 50s. Now they’re talking about 70? Time for a reality check. This is obscene.
I don't see myself ever retiring. I might leave my present job when I'm 66 or 67 but I'll write or teach or volunteer. Traveling doesn't appeal to me and playing with the grandkids ain't my thing. I love to work and don't expect to stop until they scatter my ashes to the winds.
I retired 3 years ago at age 59 after 30 years of working for the Federal Government and putting up with a 100+ mile daily round trip commute. Now I'm enjoying golf, woodworking and gardening. Wish I could have retired at age 50. When work holds no fascination for you anymore and it's hard to get up in the morning then it's time to retire.
From a personal perspective, deciding when to retire depends on a host of factors. From the government's perspective, I suppose late or never would be a satisfying answer. I wonder, however, how this might impact young people who are finding it difficult to get jobs or launch/ advance their careers. It's very unfortunate that we are wedded to an economic model that requires very low unemployment to generate economic growth and productivity. Buckminster Fuller, where are you?
Sure people can work into their 70s and beyond but don't scratch your head wondering why unemployment is so high. For every retiree who continues to work even though they don't have to is another young person who doesn't get a foot in the door.
Never Jack!!! Retire?? keep going and going and going... Don't Retire till your **kids** can take over there ~inherited debt. with a National debt. of $13 trillion dollars! thanks to a "Never ending spending policy" and unemployment rate of about 10.5% that should keep Americans breathing through straws 6 feet. Under water till the next World War!
Been retired for 12 years, retired when I was 55 and never went back to work. My kid were gone and on there own and didn't need my help. I spend my time traveling on my RV from state to state and loving it. I think people that can retire should retire, the way I see it when you die you are not going to take any think with you so why not enjoy life when you are still young. Most people at I know that can retire can not retired because they still are paying on there house. Ben
65 is a good time to retire but It depends on the job you are doing and how many hours per day you do it. Doctors and lawyers can work into their 80's if there is no dementia. Masons, carpenters and football players will probably wear out their limbs well before that.
I think the best age or the right age should be based on the workers health; mentally and physically. The right age should also be decided after at least 30 years, by the worker. For me, I feel 55 is the right age! For most people, that's more than half of their lifespand! I was happy to retire from my job at 55, eight years ago, with 32 years of government service. It was refered to as an early retirement, even then; and I lost a few dollars, but I've made that up over the years with Cost of Living raises!
There is no "right" age for retirement. If an individual is ready and in a financial position to do so, they will retire. That being said, if everyone over 65 stayed in the workforce indefinitely, then there would never be enough turn over to ensure jobs for younger generations. It is a give and take.
The way this country's going, the question might be irrelevant.
Give this important chice to the people.
The goernment should stop collecting SS when we reach 62. The retirement benefit offered by the system is not even the fair return for hardworking american's contribute to social security for their entire life.
Stop using middle class hardworking people's money at the descriation of politicians. They pay SS at a much lower rate than hard working americans.
I retired from public service job at 55, and for those who think thats to young to retire, have you work in a public service job lately? you age quite fast working in a job where you more bosses (TAXPAYERS) then your average work place,
After running multivariable calculations, I've found that the right age is 66 and 7/12.
65, then step aside. Failure to prepare on your part should not be punishment for others waiting to take your place.
Go easy on me.
I early retired, after 35 years working, at the age of 55. I worked for a Fortune 500 company. I did have to take on a part-time position to supplement my retirement income, but, I love what I am doing. For anybody 55 and over and can retire, check into the EXPERIENCE WORKS PROGRAM, if it is available in your area. It's Federally Funded and available to anybody who is 55+ years old....it's worth looking into, if you are 55+ and are having a hard time getting hired.
The problem I see is that by keeping older workers in the workforce, we expand the workforce without increasing the supply of jobs and diminish the opportunities for younger workers.
Between 60 and 65 is the right age to retire. I retired at 60 and I plan to begin taking social security @ 62. Most people I know or knew began mowing lawns, then got a paper route and never stopped working.
Age to retire? When you cannot function any more! I am almost 68 and hope to work until at least 80+. I love my job and working – I don't golf or run or any of that and I don't have any desire to travel ( I do enough on my job). Love being home on weekends and watching college football and baserball. Life is good. Besides if my wife and I retired, we would lose $150k of income!
Jack,
Why are you asking this? Are you mulling over retirement and unable to come to a number and hence put this Q?
there should be no set age to retire (congress)...if you have enough money saved up and don't feel like working...then you can retire...I like to retire at age 50...I like to spend my elderly life having fun not working...worked enough....
Never! Work is a gift. Work hard, play hard, rest hard...die old and happy.
I just retired at age 64. I had planned to retire at age 65, but the stress at work became more than I could deal with. Too many places are not replacing anyone who leaves, some are now doing the work of 3 people.
I think age 65 would be the best, sometimes work past that age is a real hardship. Also, people who are working past the present age 66 or even into the 70's need to remember, they are taking a job away from a younger person.
If just 5% of the people working today retired (probably those over 65) there would be no unemployment problem.
I wonder how much of the "unemployment crisis" is due to older worker afraid to retire after the 401k/stock market crash.
Oh, and people who make millions to be on TV shows don't count. That's not "working". Try digging ditches or cooking short orders on a grill at your age Jack. You'll dream of retirement. And for those kinds of jobs it is only a dream.
"You have to give way for the young. I know you're 65 plus, many years my junior. Not really jack. Do what you do best and stay available"
I think that people should have the FREEDOM to choose when they want to retire who am I or who in the Government has the authority to dictate slavery to its workers?
I've been working since I was 16. I'm now 64 and hoping to retire next year so that I can still do a few "fun things" while I'm healthy enough. It is sad when someone works hard their whole life and when they retire are in poor physical condition and they cannot enjoy the fruits of their lifetime of hard work. I'm hoping that the money I have saved towards retirement will last, but the economy makes me nervous. If I find it too hard, I will go back to work part time to make it stretch. That will be after I've taken a few trips and had a little fun. I feel I've earned that much.
Well for those looking forward to retiring at age 65 or 67 and depending on social security can forget it, as our government has stolen and squandered away the retirement future of the next generation of retirees and borrowed against any possibility of any other generations to follow. What does it benefit the ederly to continue working until they are well into their 70's? Taxes will still be taken out of their earnings to fill the social security pot that chronologically they are ineligible to draw from. So, I guess the right age to retire is when you've worked so hard and so long that mentally your brain is too tired to send your body the command for physical strength to work another day, it is at that time a person has no choice but to retire, permanently R.I.P
Retire at least once every 2 years or so for 3-6 months at a time. Spread out your "retirement" throughout your life. That way if you get hit by a bus at 45 you still have lived. Don't save it all up for 60 something.
My idea of retiring age is as soon as you feel like it!!! Everyone is different, so I would like to retire at the age of 40. It takes planning to do so, but in my opinion the culmination of a successful career is to retire at a decent age so one can travel and/or enjoy the fruits of hard labor. If people say that they will be bore at home maybe they can get off their chairs and go for a walk, volunteer some time for local organizations, visit their relatives and friends or simply just go do everything they did not do because of work. I cannot wait to retire so I can go fishing!!!
I found the answer to the question, "What is the right age to retire?" The answer is simply, You retire when you wonder how you ever found the time to go to work!
I retire at 67, started having more money in hand than when working (go figure), and I'm still enjoying it at age 85. I am truly blessed..