I think the biggest hurdle is actually making enough money in order to save for retirement, minimum wage is so low, not everyone makes over $100K/year. Many people have to pull money from their retirement funds due to unforeseen costs. Also due to not making much money, it appears as though many elderly people quite literally work themselves to death so they can fully relax during their retirement. For example, many individuals who plan to retire at 65 end up working till their 75 to have enough money saved.