11 Benefits of Working Past Retirement Age

Contemporary thought about getting older is changing, and more seniors are looking to stay in the workforce, be it in their longtime job, or in a second or third career. With inflation rising month after month, working may be required to pay the bills. If you or a loved one is considering working past retirement age, there are many benefits that could outweigh the plans to fill the days with shuffleboard and coupon clipping. Check out the upsides of staying on the job.

Related: 12 Reasons NOT to Retire Early

Studies consistently show that people who work longer often live longer. Having a schedule and responsibilities keeps people going, especially when other areas of life start to slow down. 

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A workplace offers regular interaction with other people, which is important to the overall health of people of all ages. In addition to being around other people, small celebrations and friendships that develop at work can be meaningful parts of a social life in later years.

Related: Job-Hunting Tips for Workers Over 50

Many people choose to go back to work even if they don’t need to to feel and be useful. Having a sense of purpose keeps us motivated as humans. We have a natural desire to contribute to community to feel fulfilled.

Related: This Is Why So Many People Feel Like They’ll Never Get to Retire

While Social Security may offer enough to cover the bare minimum costs of living, having a steady source of income relieves financial pressures. Even a part-time job can be the difference between having money stress or not. 

With jobs come benefits. Depending on the job, these may include paid time off, free meals, trips, and discounts for services or items. Factoring in the value of benefits, financially and otherwise, is important when choosing what kind of job best fits a particular lifestyle.

These days, nearly every industry takes advantage of technological advancements. Being able to learn and stay on top of technologies keeps you anchored to popular culture and provides the best opportunity to enjoy modern conveniences. 

Personal interests and hobbies don’t fade with age, and a professional environment offers the chance to expand your circles and find like-minded people. Connections might lead to fulfilling relationships in any part of life, from finding a romantic interest to someone who shares your love of cats. 

It’s easy to feel like the world is passing you by, especially now that things change so fast. The truth is that it’s never been a better time in the United States to be a senior citizen, and staying engaged is easy once you have a point of entry. Mingling with people of other ages and backgrounds makes it easier.

Our brains are like a muscle and need to be exercised. Staying at work keeps the mind agile while requiring regular physical effort, even if it is minimal. 

Depending on your health insurance needs, keeping a job may be worth it just for the health insurance, even though seniors are eligible for Medicare at age 65. While not all jobs offer coverage, many jobs at least have a buy-in policy that can make a big difference to someone who needs regular medical attention.

One of the greatest gifts of growing older is being able to share your wisdom and pass on what you’ve learned. By working with people who are younger, you get to share your experiences and enrich the workplace and the people you work with.

Related: Pieces of Advice from Seniors to Millennials