The article links back to a June article by the same author. Its headline?

"Americans Are Finally Saving Almost What They're Supposed to for Retirement."

This new article argues that there were more "hardship withdrawals". But that sounds like medical experiences. (Guess what? The Baby Boom is now retiring -- they're right in the middle of that 18-year window when they reach 70.) Surely that explains some of the withdrawals.

There's not even a penalty for taking a "hardship withdrawal" from a 401K once you're older than age 59-and-a-half. They were specifically designed with the understanding they could also be tapped for medical expenses.