However, of those who did, 68 percent said this was due to health, redundancy or to provide care to a family member, compared to 59 percent of men.
Just 18 percent of women retired early due to being able to afford to stop working because of their own or a partner’s income.
In comparison, 26 percent of men who retired early cited this reason.
Mr Lowe suggested the figures reinforce the need for pension guidance to include information about State Benefits – in addition to pension options.