[NeoCaveman]

If any or all of the dire predictions turn out correct, then it will simply prove that it was unreasonable for people to expect up to 40 years of post-work idleness at *somebody's* expense.

Darn good point.

[Tax-chick]

Thanks! I don't think people usually think about what a historical novelty "retirement" is. The extension of the non-working life of the elderly is a very recent phenomenon - perhaps the last 50 years. It's been pretty successful for many, so far, but the future doesn't look as rosy.