It can't, of course, so it's already gone up.

I'm 28. I'm dubious I'll ever be able to retire, especially if there's another slump/recession/depression in about 40 years.

My question is what are people going to do when they reach 65+ and can't retire? Walmart greeter?

I can't imagine that a lot of professions will allow someone to continue working past that age. I'm a software developer, and I figure -- right or wrong -- that by that age I might not be able to keep up. (Or maybe the industry would 'shove me out' for younger blood?)

Am I just completely wrong here?

Given the population shift, there might not be enough 'younger blood' to go around.

Unless you're already nearing 65, in 20 to 40 years software will be in everything. I'm sure you'll be able to find something to do with your skills.

I guess that's something to keep in mind. When I picture myself at 65, I usually am picturing myself in terms of the state of the world today (only with me being 65), and not in terms of what the rest of the world will be like in 38 years.

Perhaps. Or a security guard, bouncer, or taxi driver. Or if you're in Oregon, a gas pumper.

After 40 years, one can expect to have lived through 3-5 slumps/recessions.