Final answer:
The retirement age is increasing due to various factors such as increased life expectancy and financial pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The accurate statement that describes trends in retirement in Western nations is B. The retirement age is increasing.
Retirement, which is the withdrawal from paid work at a certain age, has evolved over time. In the past, people worked until they were physically incapable of continuing, but following events like the American Civil War and the availability of Social Security and Medicare, a decline in the number of working older adults began. However, in recent years, the retirement age has been increasing due to various factors such as increased life expectancy and financial pressure.
In addition to lifestyle and healthcare improvements, retirement programs offered by employers and governments have become better, allowing some to retire with more financial security. Nowadays, the economic landscape and social institutions are evolving as we see an increase in the senior population and the retirement of baby boomers. These shifts in the workforce also put pressure on pension systems and retirement plans. Therefore, the retirement age is not fixed but is influenced by numerous factors, including health, financial readiness, and changes in social support systems.