The new EBRI study also shows that during the heart of the recession, more than 22 percent of older workers (those 50 and older), admitted they never plan to retire. That number's dropped a bit since then, but close to 20 percent still plan to work 'til they can't. (I'm pretty sure I'll slump over at my desk – or maybe it'll be at the coffee machine…)

And while most of those surveyed expected to retire in their 70s or 80s, another 15 percent of older workers simply don't know.

Now what's odd about this entire study is the second half, which deals with employer-paid health insurance. This same 50-and-older group of workers who seem to take such a pragmatic approach to their own retirement – and their inability to actually do so – seem to embrace a more optimistic approach when it comes to health care.

In fact, nearly 60 percent of those surveyed express confidence their employers or unions will continue to offer health care. All of this despite the raging storm of debate, economic malaise and the specter of reform.

It's almost a given that almost no one expects to actually retire at 65 anymore, a sad but realistic embrace of what's become of our economy – and maybe our society as a whole. And if you're lucky enough to still have health care, too, well then you've hit the jackpot. (Or would it be it Bingo?)

I wonder what Dickens would think of how far we've come.