• Retiring at age 65 is no longer the norm.

UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Pension, social security and other economic factors are affecting retirement. While some regret having to retire at an older age, others aren't as eager to stop working.

Gary Stollak, a clinical psychologist, says for those who dislike their jobs, retirement can't come soon enough.

"They've had a very difficult life of hard labor, or boring work where all they look forward to is Soap Operas and beer, that's the stereotype. So that's just trying to make it through the day," Stollak said.

But even for people eager to stop working, retirement isn't always an option, especially for those supporting younger generations.

"We're worried about your health care and pension plans, because most of you might, [well the stereotype], will only have part time jobs where you're denied health care and pension plans the rest of your working life," Stollak said.

With future generations facing economic uncertainty, Stollak says retirees could have difficulty meeting their own needs, let alone splurging after retirement.

"Clothing, heating, electrical bills, medical care…and there's a very small percentage of us who have enough money to gratify our wants," Stollak said.

But for those that are able to retire, stopping working doesn't have to mean stopping their lifestyle.

"We have enough physical energy and psychic energy to want to be a member of a community," Stollak said.

With a dynamic economy, retirement at 65-years-old isn't as realistic as it once was. For those working well into their seventies, Stollak reminds us that a few extra years can have more gratifying rewards.



ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Tune in to Senior Living to see how retirement is changing in America!