The Social Security retirement age is going up -- from 65 to 67 -- and Americans will begin to feel the effects next year. The changes have been in the works for 16 years, but pollsters say most people have no idea they're imminent. Now 65, the normal Social Security eligibility age eventually will reach 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Also, taking early retirement at age 62 is becoming less of a good deal. ``Americans are living longer and …showed first 75 words of 759 total…

…showed last 75 words of 759 total…based on average life expectancy and time of retirement -- much like a private annuity. That means people who start collecting benefits earlier get them in smaller increments spread over a longer period of time. Retiring at age 62 becomes an earlier getaway in relation to a rising normal retirement age. The eligibility age for Medicare, the nation's health insurance program for the elderly, is not affected by the Social Security changes and will remain at 65.