When workers hear they will have to stay on the job longer than today’s retirees, many imagine populating a cubicle into their 80s or 90s.

But some retirement specialists say workers may only need to put in an extra couple of years, not an extra couple of decades.

Today, the typical retirement age is 63 for men and 62 for women. Continuing to work until 65 can make a big difference in the standard of living of future retirees, said Alicia H. Munnell, director for the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

“You have to work longer,” Munnell said. “The important point here is we’re talking a few years, not until your 90s.”

Social Security is the reason that the early 60s became the standard retirement age, experts say. Workers become eligible for early – but reduced – monthly benefits at 62. Thus, a retirement trend was born.

By staying on the job two or so years longer, workers delay cracking open nest eggs. They can continue sticking more money into a 401(k) and receiving an employer match. They won’t have to tap Social Security benefits early.

Additionally, they can remain on an employer’s insurance plan instead of having to pay this large expense out of pocket until Medicare kicks in at 65.

Financial planners say they often encourage clients to work longer. But clients sometimes are convinced of that wisdom only when they see on paper what an extra year or so at work can mean to their lifestyle in retirement.