The Caring Corner®

Retire? Hell no! I won’t go!

September 24, 2016

In 2000, 12.8 percent of those 65 and older held a job. This year, that number grew to 18.8 percent. The trend continues even among 75+ population, with the percentage growing from 5.4 to 8.4 percent.

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There are many reasons:
• Fewer people have pensions. Many have 401(k)s, and are not sure if they have enough saved, so they stay in the work force longer.
• We’re working longer because we can. Longer life spans and improved health contribute to extended careers. This is especially true for those with higher education, who have interesting, less physically demanding jobs.
• The nature of work has changed. With the Internet, it’s easier for people to stay busy with home-based businesses or arrangements that let them work at home.
• Some have no choice. Sadly, some folks lack alternative income. Social Security alone doesn’t provide economic stability. These people, must work.

If there is a silver lining to all this, it’s that staying physically active and mentally engaged is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy and lower your risk of dementia. So whether you want – or need – to work, enjoy this fringe benefit.

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