Working after 55? You’re not Alone

Still working at 55+? You’re not alone. According the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 15 percent of Americans over the age of 55 are working, and by 2015, the Bureau anticipates that one in five American worker will be over that age.

Who are these older workers and how are they impacting the workplace? Here are a few facts (according to a 2002 AARP survey of members ages 45-74):

- Sixty-nine percent plan to work past traditional retirement age.

- Thirty-four percent of those surveyed said that they planned to work part-time in something that interested them.

- Ten percent planned to start a business.

- Only 19 percent said that they needed to work to meet expenses.

- Six percent planned to change careers after “retirement” and work full-time.

- Only 28 percent planned to stop working after they reached retirement age.

Obviously gone are the days when employers could ignore older workers in favor of young, less expensive employees. Older Americans are becoming an increasing influential force in the workplace.

Image: Newscom