They either didn't live long enough, or didn't have the financial means to leave the work force. In the 1930's, the country was faced with more workers than jobs. One of the reasons Social Security was established in 1935 was to allow older workers to leave the work force and thereby make room for younger workers. Retirement was invented for the common man and woman. These days, Americans are living longer.
Retirement can last thirty years.
In fact about half of the men and two-thirds of women who reach their 65th birthday can expect to be around to blow out the candles on their 80th birthday cake. Even though we are living longer, the trend is for workers to retire early. The early retirement option is very popular, more workers retire before age 65 than at age 65 or later. The current generation of retirees are pioneers in the sense that they are carving out new roles for themselves and for those who follow them. If you happen to be retired and not quite sure what is expected of you, do not panic.