America’s workforce is going gray.
In fact, more older Americans — ages 65 and older — are working today “than at any time since the turn of the century,” according to Pew Research.
There are many reasons why a growing number of seniors are choosing to work. Jacquelyn James, a psychologist and co-director of the Center on Aging and Work at Boston College, tells The New York Times:
“We live in a work-identified culture. By the time you’re in your 60s and 70s, you’ve probably worked yourself into something you enjoy doing. Others have been able to let go of things that they don’t like about their job.”
Approximately 23 percent of American workers are now age 55 or older, MoneyWatch reports, and some occupations have more than the typical share of older workers. MoneyWatch says that in some cases, workers have “aged in place” as younger workers shun specific career paths.
MoneyWatch says these jobs have the highest share of senior workers:
- Personal and household goods repair: 44 percent
- Sewing, needlework and piece goods stores: 43 percent
- Religious organizations: 43 percent
- Labor unions: 41 percent
- Gift, novelty and souvenir shops: 41 percent
- Libraries and archives: 40 percent
- Retail florists: 39 percent
- Animal production and aquaculture: 39 percent
- Farm supplies wholesalers: 38 percent
Are you an older American who wants — or perhaps, needs — to work up to or into retirement, but you don’t want to do the same old job you’ve been doing? Or maybe you simply want to try your skills in a new field. If so, check out “3 Keys to Switching Careers After Age 50.”
And don’t let the fear of competing against whippersnappers keep you from pursuing a dream job. Embracing technology can help you compete with workers of any age. As we’ve written:
You need to take charge of your online presence by, at the very least, creating a LinkedIn profile. This will serve as your online resume, and you’ll want to fill it with a professional photo and details about your work experience.
You can get even more helpful advice in “10 Tips to Land an Awesome Job When You’re Over 50.”
Do you plan to work into retirement? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook.
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