economy
For some older Americans, retirement today means unretiring
May 5, 2026 / 10:02 AM EDT / MoneyWatch
TL;DR
- Nearly one in five adults aged 65 and older are employed or looking for work, a significant increase in recent decades.
- Financial necessity, driven by rising costs and insufficient savings, is the primary reason older adults are returning to the workforce.
- The average Social Security benefit does not cover the typical baseline living expenses for a single adult.
- Many older workers are taking jobs in different industries, sometimes in physically demanding roles, as their savings haven't kept pace with the cost of living.
- Some older adults find fulfillment and social engagement in their post-retirement jobs, while others rely on them for essential benefits like healthcare.