A new study shows that Generation X is pretty apathetic when it comes to retirement income. Lots of people pretty close to my age range don't think that they will ever be able to retire. Social security, at least in my opinion (oh, and that of most economists) will be a distant memory by the time I'm hitting the beach longterm.
So, how am I going to be able to stop working? How can I hit that beach worry free knowing I won't have to become a Wal Mart greeter to make ends meet when I hit 82? It is up to me. If I want to retire and if Gen X wants to retire before hip replacement surgery becomes necessary then they have to put away dough throughout their working life.
21% of Gen X'ers haven't saved a dime. That is the problem. Diagnosis complete. Spend a little less, save a little more. If you want to retire, EVER, it is up to you.