In recent years, a trend has emerged in the workforce: unretiring. This term refers to individuals who, after having retired, choose to return to work. This trend has been gaining momentum as more retirees are opting to reenter the workforce, for reasons ranging from financial necessity to the desire for social engagement and a renewed sense of purpose.
How many people are going this route? And why are they doing so? Let’s explore the answers to both these questions.
Unretiring by the Numbers 
A recent survey shows that 13% of retired seniors, which translates to 1 in 8 retirees, are considering rejoining the working world in 2025. When queried, 4% of this group said they were very likely to seek employment, and 9% said they were somewhat likely.
Equally interesting is the number of seniors who plan to continue working: 22% of older adults are currently employed, and 38% of working seniors say they don’t have plans to retire within the next five years.
Why Are Seniors Going Back to Work?
The concept of retirement, which once signified the end of a career, has evolved in response to changing economic conditions and shifting attitudes toward aging. In past decades, the standard retirement age was around 65, with the assumption that individuals would stop working altogether. They would rely on pensions and savings to support them. Today’s reality, however, is more complex. People are living longer, healthier lives, and the idea of fully disengaging from work is no longer as appealing to many. In fact, some retirees are finding that their savings or retirement benefits are insufficient to sustain their desired lifestyle, prompting them to return to work.
Here’s a closer look at why people unretire:
- Financial necessity: The combination of longer life expectancy, rising healthcare costs and insufficient retirement savings has left many older adults in a precarious financial position. The challenges of living on a fixed income, particularly in the face of inflation and unexpected expenses, have made it difficult for some to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Returning to work provides a way to supplement retirement income, offering financial stability and a buffer against economic uncertainty.
- Desire to stay active and connected: Some retirees are motivated by a desire to stay mentally and socially active. Retirement can sometimes lead to isolation, boredom or loss of identity. Returning to work offers a sense of purpose, a way to remain engaged with others, and a chance to continue contributing their skills and expertise to society. This is especially true for individuals who have specialized knowledge or experience in fields such as education, healthcare or consulting, where their expertise is in high demand.
- Unrealized dreams: The rise of the gig economy has made it easier for retirees to launch their own small businesses or return to work in more flexible part-time or temporary roles. Gig work allows retirees to tap into their passions, such as garden design, freelance writing or consulting services, without the long-term commitment that full-time employment requires.
- Social and moral aspirations: Many retirees discover they have a wealth of knowledge, energy, and passion to share, feeling it has become a time in their lives where they can give back through work that focuses on improving their communities and the lives of others. This includes roles in healthcare, social work, education, non-profit organizations, and businesses prioritizing social responsibility. Retirees can find great reward in positions working with children, the disabled, veteran organizations, senior centers, community improvement and activist groups, and so much more.
Unretiring might be a reflection of changing societal attitudes toward aging. The traditional view that older adults need to step aside to make way for younger workers is being replaced by a more inclusive perspective that recognizes the value of experience and the contributions that older workers can continue to make. In fact, many employers are increasingly open to hiring older workers, appreciating their knowledge, work ethic and reliability.
YOUR New Chapter
If you have left the workforce a bit too soon, you may find a renewed purpose, connection, and the start of a whole new chapter in your life through working in senior care. There are so many seniors who can benefit from your experience and level of knowledge and understanding, whether it be working directly with seniors or within a senior community in an administrative role. Learn how you can make a difference by finding a rewarding position at an ASC community near you.
