COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Many American workers are unprepared for the reality of retirement, often compelled by life events to take Social Security benefits early. According to a new Nationwide Retirement Institute survey, 83 percent of recent retirees started taking their benefits earlier than their full retirement age and those that do receive 49 percent less than those who claim benefits later.* According to the online survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide of 902 ad