He mentioned during that scene that "Now the Jedi are all but extinct." So, they're still around, but he says himself that he's no longer one of them.
I realize this is fanboy minutia, but it seems to me as though Obi-Wan is living as a Jedi throughout the movie. When Obi-Wan dies, he disappears, which reinforces what he told Darth Vader moments before.
What gives?
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Well back then the Jedi were more like a mystical police force, so with no Republic around the order ceased to function I suppose. I think thats all he is saying.
I always thought he meant he was sorted of "retired" in a way, ie no longer studying, no longer defending the galaxy.
I like to think of him as a retired cop in a way- his skills might be a bit rusty (hiding in that hut for so long) but he's still got his piece (ie lightsaber) and still remembers how to use it when he needs to.
That and ol' Georgy boy probably just through it in there as a throw-a-way line to help reinforce the crazy, old hermit idea he was trying to push with Obi this early in the film.