From the article:

Though the first boomers are turning 65 this year, the poll finds that 28 percent already consider themselves retired.

Count me in that group. I was part of a "separation" in mid-2007. Working in IT, I knew I'd never find another job, other than Help Desk (been there, done that, it's a hard life), while being over 60. Luckily (fortuitously?), I'd saved >10%/year during my working days and invested somewhat conservatively (Dodge & Cox rather than internet bubble companies) in my 401k.

I could live w/o Social Security and Medicare, for now, but don't want to impose my circumstances on everyone else. (No pension, but I do have retiree health care family coverage and it will get cheaper when Medicare kicks in.) Most didn't have my job history/opportunities and the "luxury" of having a husband who earned more than I.

I do worry about my sons, who are in college now. The job market reeks for them. We sent them to a College Prep School, where they learned how to write, even if they happen to be a techy and a scientist in the making. (It was rated the best school in the county for teaching writing, but was lacking in the science/technology end of things.)

I sincerely hope that circumstances have companies hiring IT techies in January when #1 son graduates.

Everything I've seen indicates one political party is trying to tank the economy before the 2012 election. Doesn't say much for the way they govern. A pox on their houses!

PM