Working After 65 Continues to Catch the Eye of the Media
06/06/2016
A more frequent story in the media these days is about people age 65 and older who are in the workforce. A recent example is an article on Bloomberg.com that begins this way: "Almost 20 percent of Americans 65 and older are now working, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s the most older people with a job since the early 1960s, before the U.S. enacted Medicare."
In the story, Ben Steverman cites five reasons for people putting off retirement:
- "They need the money"
- "They like their jobs"
- "Employers want (some) older workers to stick around"
- "Older Americans are healthier and living longer"
- "Or maybe retirement just isn't as much fun"
Steverman quotes an economist who says it "has become increasingly normal to be over 65 and working." I noticed just the other day how many seniors seem to be working at such retailers as Lowe's and The Home Depot. As a frequent visitor to the Biltmore in my home town of Asheville, I see many seniors there greeting guests, driving vans, taking tickets, leading tours, and serving in restaurants. Still, a big challenge for silver-hairs (of which I am one) is finding employment that is stimulating, rewarding, and allows the flexibility most older workers want.
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