Many older Americans continue working after the age of 50, not just for financial reasons but also because it benefits their physical and mental health. A recent poll by the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found that having a job can improve overall well-being in older adults.
The study surveyed nearly 3,500 adults aged 50 to 94 across the United States. It revealed that more than two-thirds of older workers believe their jobs help them stay physically and mentally healthy. Nearly half of them also said that work gives them a sense of purpose and keeps their minds sharp.
Why Older Adults Keep Working
More and more Americans are working past the traditional retirement age of 65. Today, about 38 million older adults are part of the workforce—more than double the number from 40 years ago. Many of them choose to keep working because they enjoy it and feel it benefits their health.
The poll found that among adults over 50 who are still working:
- 78% say they need financial stability.
- 65% want to save more money for retirement.
- 59% need access to health insurance through their jobs.
- 26% want to contribute to society.
Interestingly, the study showed that people over 65 were more likely to report strong health benefits from working than those between 50 and 64.
About 32% of older workers (65+) said their job had a very positive impact on their physical health, compared to 14% of younger workers (50-64). Similarly, 41% of those 65 and older felt work improved their mental health, compared to 20% of those in their 50s and early 60s.
Many older adults also value work because it helps them stay mentally active and socially connected. More than half (57%) of workers over 65 strongly agreed that working helps keep their brain sharp.
The Challenges of Working Later in Life
While many older adults see work as beneficial, it is not always easy for them. Some face physical and mental health challenges at work. The poll found that:
- 33% of working adults over 50 said their job negatively affected their physical health.
- 29% said their job had a negative impact on their mental health.
- 22% of workers with poor mental health said they could not take time off for medical appointments, compared to 7% of those with better mental health.
There are also barriers that prevent some older adults from working. About 39% of all non-retired adults over 50 (whether working or not) reported at least one obstacle to employment. These challenges were even greater for those who were not working but had not yet retired—over 80% of them faced at least one barrier.
The most common difficulties included:
- Poor health, chronic illness, or disability (29%)
- Lack of skills, training, or experience (13%)
- Limited transportation (11%)
- Caring for an adult family member (8%)
- Caring for a child or grandchild (5%)
- Legal issues, such as a prior conviction (3%)
Even among those who had worked in the last five years, some felt their jobs were not ideal. 26% believed their skills were not fully used, while 25% said their pay was too low. Others struggled with inadequate health insurance (20%) or jobs that were too physically demanding (13%).
The Bigger Picture
The way people view work after 65 has changed over time. In the past, most Americans retired completely after reaching this age. However, as life expectancy increases and more people stay healthy longer, many choose to keep working. Some do it because they have to, while others do it because they enjoy it.
Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the poll’s director, explained that work can help older adults maintain social connections and avoid isolation, which is known to have negative effects on health. This finding is supported by research showing that loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
Still, some older workers face discrimination in the workplace. About 11% of those surveyed said they had experienced age discrimination. Others struggle with job conditions that are physically or mentally stressful.
Carly Roszkowski, a financial expert at AARP, said that while work provides many benefits, older adults still face challenges such as discrimination and workplace inflexibility.
Final Thoughts
This study highlights both the benefits and challenges of working later in life. Many older adults find that working helps them stay healthy, engaged, and mentally sharp. For those over 65, jobs can provide a strong sense of purpose and social connection.
However, work is not always positive for everyone. Some older adults experience stress, health problems, and workplace challenges that make their jobs difficult. Others struggle to find work because of age-related barriers.
As more Americans choose to work beyond traditional retirement age, it will be important for employers and policymakers to address these issues. Providing flexible work options, better support for health-related needs, and addressing age discrimination could help older adults continue working in a way that benefits both their health and financial stability.
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