I did retire already at age 55 so here is what allowed me to do this:

1. My wife has a job as well
2. We have no kids
3. We got rid of our mortgage after 15 years
4. I then saved for 15 years and invested in various asset categories (bonds;equity and the last 5 years more and more in gold to prevent me for inflation)

Hope this helps...
Goldrooster