The modern view of early retirement is broad and fluid. Some people look to retire as early as 30- or 40-something. And they may �retire� in name only, actually embarking on a second career. To many other people, it means an end to work in their early to mid-60s, which is when Social Security benefits can begin (age 62, at a discounted level from �full retirement age�), as well as Medicare benefits (age 65). The full retirement age is gradually being extended by the Social Security Administration to 67, for those born in 1960 or later.