In the 80's when the demographers were suggesting that there would be too many people for the available jobs, early retirement was touted as the solution. some workers, usually professionals, were offered golden handshakes to leave and live happily ever after. Apparently studies showed that the earlier one retired the earlier one lived. Fast forward to the new millennium and the new breed of demographers have suggested that there won't be enough workers or the available jobs! The answer? Release studies that show that the later one retires the longer one's life will be. I suppose the answer is whatever works for you, but I have seen pilots who have hung on for too long and have cocked something up such that they were asked to leave of their own free will or the Company would do it for them.