Resources - Mature Market Headlines

Older Persons Working Longer

The Bradenton Herald, 8/28/08

Abstract:

It's the graying of the work force, and it's happening nationally and locally as those older than 65 continue to come to work every day rather than retire.

Study after study shows that more and more Americans in their 60s, 70s and 80s are foregoing retirement and staying at work. Between 1977 and 2007, the number of people 75 and older still working increased by 172 percent, the most dramatic gain in all age groups, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With baby boomers just now reaching retirement age, the graying of the American work force is only just beginning, the study says.

The reasons, experts say, fall into two categories - economics and personal fulfillment.

"There are people who want to continue to work because it is fulfilling and gives meaning to their life," said Scott Parkin, vice president of communications for the National Council on Aging. "You have 77 million baby boomers who are bucking historic trends."

In a 2000 American Perceptions of Aging in the 21st Century study the council commissioned, 13 percent of people older than 65 said having a job was very important to them while 32 percent said having opportunities to use their skills was very important. Parkin expects those numbers are getting higher each year.

> Read the full story > Return to 50+ Headlines