When Can I Retire?

This depends on your individual financial situation and the sort of lifestyle you plan on living when you are retired, from affluent to just getting by.  Governments are well aware of a pensions crisis created by people living longer and so are trying to persuade people to make more private provision, in the way of savings, for their retirement.  If you are relying on receiving the full state pension in the U.K you need to work until 65 (men) and 60 (woman), though the amount you receive is dependant on your National Insurance contributions throughout your working life.  However between 2010-2020 the state pension age will change for women, gradually increasing to 65.  

In America, to receive the social security benefits for 'full retirement' you must work until 65 if you were born before 1938 and until between 65 and 67 if born after (67 for people born after 1959).  However you may be able to start receiving some retirement benefits in America from as early as 62.