The average retirement age for men shifted from 70 in 1950 to 65 in 1970 to 62 in 1985. Whether the trend toward early retirement has ended depends on interpretation of changes in the last 2 decades, including elimination of mandatory retirement, modifications in social security and pension plans, and increased longevity. (Contains 18 references.)…

The author addresses definitional problems encountered when studying women's retirement, their decisions to retire, and their adaptations to retirement. She states that the issue of women's retirement should be examined in light of current knowledge about men's retirement while acknowledging the variability of older women's work histories. (CH)

The federal legislative agenda must focus on three trends: (1) the rise in health care costs; (2) the serious decline in the personal savings rate and the effect on pensions; and (3) the lengthening period of retirement as a combination of early retirement and longer life spans. (SK)