But knowing what retirement involves today can give you a starting point for predicting your post-work prospects. 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.