My spouse is 72 and retired about 10 years ago. He did that for 2 years and went back to work, then went part-time and now is back to 80% and happy working at home. He's happier when he works. As much as I wish he could carve out a vibrant social network in a new location (we moved 3 years ago), throw himself into full-time travel and hobbies, and engage fully without working, I don't think it's in the cards. He does better with built-on structure and social stimulation. I think a lot of people (especially men) do, too.