A new national poll reveals that working after the age of 50 offers more than just a paycheck for older Americans. According to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, nearly two-thirds of older adults who continue to work report improvements in their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. The findings underscore the importance of work in enhancing the quality of life for those over 50, especially as the population continues to age.
Key Findings of the Poll
The poll, conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, with support from AARP and Michigan Medicine, surveyed 3,486 adults aged 50 to 94 across the U.S. It highlighted several positive aspects of working later in life, including:
Health Benefits: More than two-thirds of participants aged 50 and older reported that continuing to work had a positive effect on their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. This suggests that staying in the workforce can serve as a tool for maintaining health and well-being in older adulthood.
Sense of Purpose: Nearly half of respondents (46%) cited having a sense of purpose as a very important reason for continuing to work. The same percentage of respondents also strongly agreed that work helps keep their brain sharp, which is essential for maintaining cognitive function as they age.
Benefits for Older Adults: Those aged 65 and older, in particular, reported stronger health and cognitive benefits from continuing to work. For instance, 57% of adults aged 65 and older strongly agreed that working helps keep their brain sharp, compared to 43% of those aged 50-64.
Work and Social Engagement
The poll also found that work can serve as an important social outlet, especially for older adults who may experience isolation after retirement. In fact, 37% of those aged 65 and older reported that work helped maintain social connections, a crucial factor for combating loneliness and promoting mental well-being.
Among those who are still working after 65, 88% expressed job satisfaction, with 45% saying they were very satisfied and 43% somewhat satisfied. Additionally, 69% of older adults working reported that their jobs were entirely in-person, reflecting the traditional structure of many older adults’ work lives.
Barriers to Work
Despite the positive findings, the poll also uncovered significant barriers that older adults face in the workforce. Around 39% of all non-retired adults aged 50 and older reported at least one barrier to working. Among those who were not currently working but not retired, the barrier rate was even higher, with over 80% citing obstacles to employment.
Some of the most common barriers include:
- Health Issues: 29% of non-retired adults reported disability, chronic illness, or poor health as a barrier to working.
- Lack of Skills or Training: 13% cited a lack of relevant experience or skills.
- Caregiving Responsibilities: 8% mentioned caregiving for an adult, while 5% cited caregiving for children or grandchildren as an obstacle.
- Age Discrimination: 11% of respondents felt they experienced age discrimination in the workplace.
Financial and Social Impacts
Financial stability remained the top reason for working among older adults, with 78% of respondents indicating that they worked to maintain financial security. Access to health insurance (59%) and saving for retirement (65%) were also significant motivations.
However, some working older adults reported negative effects on their physical and mental health. 33% of those who worked said their job had a negative effect on their physical health, and 29% reported negative impacts on their mental health. Those who struggled with mental health were more likely to face challenges in taking time off for health-related appointments, with 22% reporting that they couldn’t take the necessary time off, compared to just 7% of those with better mental health.
Conclusion: The Value of Work for Older Adults
The findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest that working after the age of 50 offers substantial benefits for older adults, particularly in terms of health, mental sharpness, and social engagement. The sense of purpose and cognitive stimulation that comes from working may be key factors in maintaining well-being as individuals age.
While barriers to work, such as health issues and age discrimination, remain significant, these findings emphasize the importance of creating supportive work environments for older adults. Policymakers, employers, and society at large must continue to address these barriers and support the growing number of older adults who wish to remain in the workforce.
As Carly Roszkowski, vice president of financial resilience at AARP, noted, “Work provides more than just a paycheck. It offers purpose, connection, and cognitive benefits.” These findings will likely shape future discussions about the role of work in aging populations, encouraging further research and initiatives to support older workers.
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