Early retirement refers to the act of retiring from one's job or career before reaching the age at which Social Security benefits typically begin, which is currently 62 years old in the United States. People who choose early retirement often do so because they have saved enough money to live comfortably without working, or because they are experiencing health issues that make it difficult for them to continue their careers. Early retirees may also use this time to pursue other interests, such as traveling, volunteering, or starting a new career in a different field.