Of my generation ( post WW2 baby-boomers) nobody dared talk about retirement, it would betray a lack of faith in the message. Least of all would you dream of a retirement of leisure and relaxation. No, No No...
This meant that nobody had retirement income set aside . I have known some that struggle especially those that were self employed.
The only thing was , if retirement age approached, a desire expressed to Pioneer . Some did for a while until old age and infirmity take their toll. That is when we are all glad of this world's system and the National Health Service..