More people are choosing work over retirement

Attitudes are changing towards retirement. New research from the UK shows that retired people are choosing to continue working.

Seventy-nine per cent of Over 65s work into retirement because they want to, not because they need to, according to the research released this month by Hanover Housing Association.

The research exposes a new attitude towards work-life balance among the retired population. Whilst the pre-retirement population often yearns for free time to inject some balance into their work life, retired people are seeking employment to give their lives’ balance.

Article Date : 08/09/2005

Retirement often brings an abundance of free time to many Over 65s. Work offers structure and social interaction to their lives. Older people can use their well-honed skills and can benefit from both the mental and physical stimulation employment offers.

Nearly four out of five Over 65s work during their retirement because they want to, not because they have to for financial reasons. Of the Over 65s who currently work, more than three quarters believe they will continue to do so later in life.

Michele Hollywood, Communications Director of Hanover Housing Association says, “Many people over 65 remain very capable workers. They are a skilled and experienced human resource that offer a great deal to employers.”

Working into retirement gives Over 65s a social life and sense of contribution to society.