In 2005, 45 percent of those workers who retired earlier than planned blamed layoffs or downsizing. This is especially true among white collar workers, while blue collar workers will more often cite medical reasons, such as an inability to meet the physical demands of their jobs. Moreover, it is harder for older workers to get hired, once laid off. Employers are 40 percent more likely to interview workers younger than 50 rather than those 50 and up. The average rate of unemployment for workers 55 and over was 24.1 weeks, while for those under 55 it was only 17.8 weeks.

Even the bosses know what is happening, and those on the lower rungs of the food chain fear it. 90 percent of executives fear they may eventually be discriminated against on the basis of their age, and 60 percent believe the practice has become far more common in the last five years. Most believe the discrimination starts well before 50, and one in ten believe age discrimination will play a role in their own retirement.

"Many Americans Retire Years Before They Want To" from USA Today