I presume you mean you have to work until 67 if you rely on the state to fund your retirement?
- low wages meaning lower contributions
- low investment returns
- changes to the tax system
- they started contributing signifiant amounts later in life due to other pressures
Additionally, many people who like to buy 'things' are getting them for the experiences they provide. For example, it's hard to argue that someone who buys a VR system or a hot tub isn't getting 'experiences' when they use them with family and friends.
Just something to consider if you ever use this to berate people too 'materialistic' for your tastes.
I value Internet (a lot). But I don't need a phone to reach it. I value being able to move around, but I don't need a Ferrari to do it. I value meeting other cultures, but I don't need these to be 10000km's from my home.
Now as how I value myself, well, I dunno. I'm more interested in how the others value me :-)
I have to work until 67 in my country. So when I'll be off, I'll be way to tired to start new stuff. Moreover, after 50 years old, I'll get a good chance of getting cancer or some other life-changing disease. So I think it's better if I take my time right now...
Final note : this holds because my job is not a dream job, so my return-on-time-investment is weak (I don't consider the ability to buy a big car or around-the-world vacations, or top-notch-phone to be a good return on the time I spend at work)