People have been joking about postponing retirement. But now it appears that the whimsical has become a reality. Employees are working longer. What with the economy being a mess and with many people having seen their pension funds and savings diminished, employees are working well past the 65 year-0ld retirement age. Some are working well into their seventies.
According to the article in the New York Times, more than seven percent of the working population is over 70. That may be a small part of the overall workforce but it is definitely on the increase. Other prospective older employees want to work. They are having a tough time finding employment.
Economic necessity may be one of the reasons that older people are remain in the workforce, but there are other reasons. Some people do not like sitting around in what was once perceived as retirement bliss. It is boring for some. Also, with people living longer, the once elderly 65 year old threshold is not what it once was. People are vital into their sixties and beyond, more active and physically capable. Elder employees are increasingly technology savvy. They are familiar with at least the basic principles of the tech world and the global economy.
The fact is there is often meaning to work. Many employees enjoy their professions and are loathe to give them up for days of leisure and bad television. Look for more workers to remain in the workforce. Gray is what is happening.
