Totally agree with Frank, Retirement planning starts when you start work and start putting money aside for retirement. The earlier you start the less you pay for any given pension sum. BUT increase the amount as you earn more, perhaps keep it as a steady % of your net income.
Do not take a lump sum out of your pension, try to save that separately. Annual pension increases are a % of each year's gross and the wonderful benefits of compound interest apply. Interest on investment is not, it is simple interest and just gives interest each year on the original sum invested. At times of low interest rates, this really makes a difference.
If you take out an annuity, make sure the income includes an annual increase, it means less to begin with but saves you from absolute poverty when you are older, particularly if you live longer than you expected.
Avoid equity release if at all possible or leave it as late as possible, move to a smaller property if you can rather than opt for equity release. It means that all your capital is at your disposal . That means if you need to move into residential care you will be self financing and can choose what home you go into rather than be at the mercy of Social Services which in current economic circumstances will put you in the cheapest home they can find regardless of where you used to live, convenience for family and friends wanting to visit you or quality of care.