I think with my family, work and retirement seems to be more of a lifestyle/what-life-deals-you type of thing than a generational one. On my Dad's side of the family, Granddad retired at the age of 60. Grandmom was a few years younger, and originally planned to retire at 60, but I think she went out around 58 or 59, when they realized she didn't need to keep working. After that, neither one felt the need to work again. They always did alot of stuff around the house, and they also had a cottage out near the Chesapeake Bay that kept them busy. I remember going down there quite often as a kid during the summer.
On my Mom's side, Granddad retired at the age of 55, in 1971. Grandmom kept working full-time until 1980, when she was 56. Granddad found alot of stuff to keep himself busy though, having a garden and working on cars part time with his brother in law. He did it as a hobby...just enough to be fun and make a little money, but making sure that it didn't become too much like work. Eventually, as cars became more complicated and smog-control-laden, he phased out the car stuff. And judging from the big Motor's Repair Manuals in the garage, I'd say 1976 was enough to piss him off, because he never bought a 1977 manual! He also did alot of stuff around the house, and I remember he was always helping my Mom out with house repairs. Plus, keeping up a rental property across the street.
Grandmom was kind of forced into retirement, because the hospital she worked in got closed down, when a dispute arose as to whether the Federal Gov't or DC owned it. DC won out, and promptly closed it down. For a few years after that she worked from home, doing transcription work and other paperwork for doctors and such. And then she went back to work part time/on-call at another hospital. She and Granddad did a lot of travelling in the 70's and 80's, as well, and did manage to make the most out of their retirement together.
Granddad passed away in 1990 from complications from lung cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes. Grandmom worked part time until 1994, when she turned 70. She didn't need the money, but I think it made her feel useful; gave her something to do.
So for the most part, I guess I'd call my grandparents to be "semi-early" in retirement, generally going out between 55-60, with the exception of Grandmom working sporadically from 60-70.
As for my parents' generation, well Mom plans to retire from the federal gov't when she turns 60. At that point, my stepdad will be 56, and he may quit his job, as well, see how they make it, and go back to work if necessary. They want to move to Florida, so he may try to find something down there. He's one of those types that needs to feel "useful" and "important", although sometimes that borders on being "in control", "in a position of authority", etc. He stresses out really easily, but in a twisted sort of way I think he thrives on it. Leaving the workplace and suddenly having an easy life might be well, stressful for him!
My Dad just turned 60, and will probably work for the forseeable future. He spent too much of the 70's, 80's, and early part of the 90's slacking off, making unwise decisions about life/finances, being unemployed, etc, so now he's paying for it.
Both of his brothers, my uncles, are retired now, after long careers as supermarket managers. Both of them have been retired for several years now, so I'd guess they both went out around 60-61. I always forget their ages. I think both of them did pick up part time jobs mainly to ease their phase-out from the working world. As supermarket managers, they often put in 60+ hours per week, and I'd imagine retiring cold-turkey from something like that could put you into shock!
My other uncle (Mom's brother) is 52, and will probably work until at least 65, when he can get Medicare. He works in construction, and like my Dad, spent a good deal of the 70's and 80's slacking off. He started getting serious in the 90's. He also has health problems (kidneys), and is pretty much dependent on his company's insurance.
I'm an only child, so I can't comment on plans of my siblings. My uncle on my Mom's side never had any kids either. On my Dad's side though, I have 5 cousins. I really don't talk to them that much though...really only see them on family occasions, like Granddad's birthday, or maybe Christmas or Thanksgiving or some summer family get together. So I have no idea what their plans for the future and retirement are. As for me? I'm outta here as soon as I get the chance!
I took yesterday off and got a bit of a taste of it. Took my time doing stuff around the house, started building my fence, etc. Damn it was nice! And damn, was it hard to come back into work this morning!
