Economics is not a monolith of wages and taxes. In a family there are many householding activities where retirees can contribute to the economic health of society.
Retirement should be a focus for these types of activities. Things like tending a small garden, or playing with grandchildren.
At least in the US, this is going to require a shift in both the workplace and the home.
My father is 65, my mother in law is 59, and my father in law is late 50s (my mother passed away recently at 59). All three of them must still work full time because they can't afford to retire, preventing them from helping with our 1 year old (causing us to have a limited support system, which I supplement with a part time nanny).
Optimum age for taking Medicare and SS also play a factor. Even if I had enough money in my 401K to retire at 45, medical insurance would eat it up. Need to wait to get on Medicare.
Retirement should be a focus for these types of activities. Things like tending a small garden, or playing with grandchildren.