Results of a newly released survey of people aged 50 to 64 years have implications for senior living organizations with job openings and activity calendars to fill, and they also provide insights into the possible livelihoods of current and potential residents.
The AARP survey found that 45% of Americans plan to retire from their current careers between the ages of 65 and 69, but 37% of respondents said they plan to work for pay in retirement. Most of them (73%) hope to work part time. Older adults will be looking for flexibility, work-from-home options and the ability to work while still traveling and having fun when pursuing job opportunities after retiring from their careers, according to the AARP.
Forty-four percent of those planning to work part time said they will be looking for work in a new field, perhaps one in which they have been dreaming of being active. Respondents frequently mentioned doing something creative or cited the fields of sports, hospitality and education.
The advocacy organization says the results show that work is the new retirement. “Our new research shows a fluid workplace, with many experienced workers looking for flexible part-time work in interesting and challenging positions to continue their careers,” Kim Adler, the AARP’s work and jobs lead, said in a statement.
Survey participants said they enjoy their current jobs because of the income, benefits or a schedule that allows a balance between their professional and personal lives.
