Both absolutely and in relation to the income of other segments of the population, the present low incomes of the aged are likely to persist. In an economy distinguished by technological change and an expanding labor force, retirement is necessary." (Author)

Concentrating on the trend toward early retirement in the United States and the factors responsible for it, this study draws comparisons between the work and leisure pattern in the United States, with its growing tendency toward retirement below age 65, and the patterns of certain western European nations (principally the United Kingdom, West…