In 1950, the typical American retired at 67 and lived about a decade longer. Today, the average retirement age is 63, and the retiree can expect to live 18 to 20 more years. Women outnumber men in retirement. There are six women 65-69 years old to every five men in the same bracket. By 85, the ratio changes to five women for every two men.
Most retirees are in good health.
Three of four people 65 to 74 describe their health as good. Two of three older than 75 say the same. More than half of those older than 85 need assistance with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. Elderly white men had much higher median incomes than other groups. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.