What age should i start saving for retirement

Over the years of working in the retirement industry I have come across people in every stage of life, from 25 years of age to people on the verge of retirement. And a common question continues to arise, at what age should I start saving for retirement? Most Americans have trouble planning a year ahead for summer vacation much less have the ability to plan for 30 years down the road for retirement. So how do we deal with something that is so far in the distance but so important to our future.