kids encyclopedia robot

Retirement facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Downtown shopping in Bariloche
Retired couple shopping

Retirement is when people stop working their main job. It's a time when adults can choose to relax, travel, or spend more time on hobbies. People might retire when they reach a certain age, or if they get sick or have an accident. Some people might "semi-retire," meaning they work less or take on a different, part-time job.

When Do People Retire?

The age when people retire can be different for everyone. In many countries, there's a "standard" retirement age. This is often linked to when people can start getting money from the government, called a pension. As people live longer, this standard age has been increasing in many places.

Retirement Ages Around the World

The usual retirement age changes from country to country. It is often between 50 and 70 years old. Sometimes, the age is different for men and women, but many countries are making it the same for everyone.

For example, in the United States, the age to get full Social Security benefits (money from the government for older people) is slowly moving up to 67 years old. This change is happening over several years.

Early Retirement Options

Some jobs allow people to retire earlier than the standard age. For instance, police officers in the United States can sometimes retire after 20 or 30 years of service. This means they might retire in their early forties. Members of the US Armed Forces can also choose to retire after 20 years of active duty. Their retirement pay depends on how long they served and their rank.

What Happens After Retirement?

After retiring, people often have more free time. They might use this time to:

  • Spend more time with family and friends.
  • Travel and see new places.
  • Learn new hobbies or skills.
  • Volunteer for causes they care about.
  • Relax and enjoy their favorite activities.

Retirement is a big change, but it can be a very exciting time for many people. It's a chance to do things they might not have had time for while working.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jubilación para niños

kids search engine
Retirement Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.