Good and Bad News About the Record Number of Senior Workers

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

A senior electrician at work
Kekyalyaynen / Shutterstock.com

It’s been decades since the American workforce has seen so many seniors.

In April, 19 percent of Americans age 65 or older were working, the Associated Press reports, citing recently released government data. That figure has not been that high since 1962.

The share of seniors who still are employed has been rising since 1985, when it sank to 10 percent, according to the AP.

This trend could be considered good or bad news, depending on why someone continues working at age 65 or older. The AP explains:

“As America grows older and as life expectancy gets longer, some workers keep heading to the office because they like it and still feel engaged. But many others are continuing to work for a simpler, darker reason: They can’t afford not to.”

This comes as little surprise to us here at Money Talks News. Just in recent months, we’ve reported that:

As we note in “Ready to Rescue Your Retirement in 2017? Here’s How,” polling and research show a quiet crisis underway for retirees and people saving for retirement. The article, which details 10 ways to get your retirement plans back on track, continues:

“Not all of this problem is within our control. But much of it is, though, which means that hard choices are ahead.”

For many workers, those hard choices will include delaying retirement — joining the rising number of seniors who continue reporting to work at age 65 or older.

If you’re among this type of worker, check out “How a Late-in-Life Career Change Can Boost Your Fortunes.” It turns out that folks who voluntarily switch careers in their 50s tend to work longer.

You might also be interested in “10 Jobs With the Biggest Share of Senior Workers.”

At what age did you retire, or at what age do you expect to retire? Sound off below or on our Facebook page.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.