I was made redundant aged 61 when the building Company I worked for went into (planned) Bankruptcy. Chances of getting another Job then virtually Zero. Then the terrific guy at the Labour Exchange told me that I had worked long enough (43 years) to go into early retirement, first go on the Dole for 34 months then retire, this I did, some drop in income but not going to work saved loads of Money as I was driving 70 kms a day just to get to the Yard.
Both my wife and I found Little Jobs to earn a bit extra, being a Brickie and Carpenter is a big help! We had 4 great extra years free together, toured on our Bike and spent Quality time together while we were fit enough to enjoy it. When the health problems began, for both of us, we had those years as Bonus. You have to look into the dark clouds, there is so often a plan B, or C hiding there!