FORGET RETIREMENT: WHY WORKERS OVER 65 FEEL HAPPIER, HEALTHIER
In a nutshell
- Workers over 65 report stronger health benefits from their jobs than younger colleagues: 41% say work greatly improves their mental health, compared to 20% of workers aged 50-64
- While 88% of older workers are satisfied with their jobs, many face barriers: nearly 30% cite health issues or disabilities as obstacles to working
- Beyond paychecks, older workers find purpose in their jobs; 57% say work keeps their minds sharp, and they’re more likely to feel valued by employers than younger workers
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Working past 65 isn’t just about earning money – it’s good for your health too. A new study finds that seniors who are still employed report stronger benefits to their health and well-being than their younger counterparts, along with higher levels of job satisfaction and feeling valued at work.
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging surveyed 3,486 adults aged 50-94 across the United States, showing both encouraging trends and ongoing challenges for older workers.
“Americans are living and working longer than ever before, with nearly 38 million older adults in the workforce today — more than two and a half times the number from 40 years ago,” says Carly Roszkowski, vice president of financial resilience at AARP.
Today’s Older Workforce
The employment landscape shows distinct patterns by age. While 63% of adults aged 50-64 are working, that number drops to 18% for those 65 and older. Most older workers (78%) work full-time, with 22% working part-time. The majority (83%) work for employers, while 17% are self-employed.
Remote work has become a significant option, especially for those with higher education and income levels. Among those working for employers, 15% work fully remotely, 17% follow a hybrid schedule, and 69% work entirely on-site.
Health Benefits Grow Stronger with Age
The health benefits of working are particularly strong for those over 65. The numbers tell a striking story:
- Physical health benefits: 32% of workers over 65 report very positive impacts, compared to 14% of those aged 50-64
- Mental health benefits: 41% of those over 65 report very positive impacts, versus 20% of younger workers
- Overall well-being: 39% of older workers see very positive impacts, compared to 21% of their younger counterparts
“Our perceptions of working after age 65 have changed over time, and these data suggest that most older adults who are still able to work after the traditional retirement age derive health-related benefits from doing so,” says poll director Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren.
Beyond the Paycheck
While financial stability is crucial, with 78% citing it as very important, older workers find multiple rewards in their jobs:
- 46% say having a sense of purpose is very important
- 65% work to save for retirement
- 59% value access to health insurance
- 52% support family members financially
- 46% aim to maximize Social Security benefits
- 26% want to contribute to society
The benefits extend to mental sharpness and social connections. Among workers over 65:
- 57% strongly agree work keeps their brain sharp (versus 43% of those 50-64)
- 37% say it helps maintain social connections (versus 28%)
- 40% report it helps them stay focused (versus 28%)
Job Satisfaction and Feeling Valued
Most older workers (88%) feel satisfied with their jobs, with 45% very satisfied and 43% somewhat satisfied. Those working past 65 are more likely to feel valued by their employers (84%) compared to their younger counterparts (75%). The majority feel valued by their coworkers (90%) and supervisors (84%).
Challenges and Barriers
Despite these benefits, many older adults face serious obstacles. Among those who aren’t retired, 39% report at least one barrier to work. For those not currently working, the percentage jumps to 83%.
Common barriers include:
- Disability, chronic illness, or poor health (29%)
- Lack of training or skills (13%)
- Transportation problems (11%)
- Caring for other adults (8%)
- Taking care of children or grandchildren (5%)
- Past legal issues (3%)
Workers with fair or poor mental health face particular challenges – 22% say they can’t take time off for medical appointments, compared to just 7% of those with better mental health.
Other workplace concerns include:
- Skills not being fully utilized (26%)
- Inadequate pay (25%)
- Poor health insurance coverage (20%)
- Physically demanding work (13%)
- Age discrimination (11%)
How Employers Can Help
The study suggests employers can better support older workers by:
- Offering flexible schedules for healthcare appointments and caregiving
- Providing skills training to help workers stay competitive
- Implementing policies that support physical and mental well-being
- Creating inclusive workplaces that value experience across age groups
“This poll reinforces what we hear from older workers every day — that work provides more than just a paycheck,” says Roszkowski. “It offers purpose, connection and cognitive benefits. But barriers like age discrimination stand in the way.”
Methodology
The University of Michigan team worked with NORC at the University of Chicago to survey 3,486 adults aged 50-94 across the United States. The survey, conducted in August 2024, reached people by phone and online. The completion rate was 36% among those invited to participate, with a margin of error of +/- 1 to 4 percentage points for questions asked of the full sample.
