Americans look forward to the day of retirement so they can finally begin to sleep in, play with the grandkids, and travel the world. When that time comes, what they thought might be there for them may not be exactly like what they expected.

Karen O''Neal

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Accountant

Age: 50ish

How are you saving for retirement? Through a company invested IRA and a personal IRA.

What do you think about elderly parents living in your home? Very difficult. I wouldn''t do it.

Will you be a crusty curmudgeon or a sexy senior? Sexy senior.

How will Social Security affect your retirement? I''m not planning on SS. How much it''ll affect me is uncertain.

Sandrine Diamond

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Homemaker

Age: 29

How are you saving for retirement? I can''t afford to do so yet.

What do you think about elderly parents living in your home? It would be great.

Will you be a crusty curmudgeon or a sexy senior? Sexy senior.

How will Social Security affect your retirement? It won''t be much.

Salvatore Asaro

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Fisherman

Age: 58

Does living on a fixed income concern you? Yes.

What about elderly parents living in your home? It''s good. Our family has lots of love and respect for one another.

Will you be a crusty curmudgeon or a sexy senior? A sexy senior only for my wife.

How will Social Security affect your retirement? I haven''t paid in very much.

Terence Macken

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Coast Guard

Age: 30

How are you saving for retirement? I have a basic IRA.

Does living on a fixed income concern you? Most definitely.

What do you think about elderly parents living in your home? My parents could live with me; they took care of me.

Will you be a crusty curmudgeon or a sexy senior? A little of both.

How will Social Security affect your retirement? Honestly, I don''t think it''s going to be there.

David Dunn

Resides: Big Sur

Occupation: Poet/Property Manager

Age: 40

How are you saving for retirement? Just starting to think of it now.

Does living on a fixed income concern you? No. I prefer a fixed income.

What do you think about elderly parents living in your home? I have no problem with it.

Will you be a crusty curmudgeon or a sexy senior? Both.

How will Social Security affect your retirement? I''ll get benefits. Hopefully it''ll still be around.