The problem with looking forward to retirement, as some have said, is that you are wishing your life away waiting for that magical day. As Peter commented, it also depends on what one is retiring from, if it is a 'job' where, by and large you are at someone elses beck and call, you have to be very fond of what you do to want to stay a minute longer than you have to, however if your money earning capability, for that is what this is all about surely, is part of your lifestyle and purely for yourself and you get enjoyment and satisfaction from what you are doing, then why stop sooner than you have to?
I stopped working when when I got married at aged 27, but my money making capabilities went into property investment which I have been doing ever since and I have never felt it was 'work'. It is only now in my late '70s and with the benefit of a sensible son who has eased the day to day management off my shoulders, and, with my wife nagging me to go away with her more often before it is too late, that I have found more time for me and for her. I have loved my life since I retired at 27 and I only hope I have many more years to come - but who knows?
Sorry not quite the answer the OP was looking for but many have already answered that question.
By the way, as an addendum, how much does it cost an average couple, with no mortgage, to live a slightly more than comfortable life in retirement? That is, before the nursing home years.
