Working, whether for someone else or for yourself, offers more than just a paycheck for older adults. A recent poll from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that over 66% of individuals aged 50 and above believe that their jobs enhance their physical and mental health.
About 46% of working individuals in this age group cite having a sense of purpose as a significant motivator. They also strongly agree that their jobs help keep their minds sharp. Those who continue to work after the age of 65 report even more positive effects on their health and mental clarity.
Around 18% of respondents aged 65 and older are currently working part-time or full-time. In contrast, this number jumps to 63% for those aged 50 to 64. Interestingly, 69% of older workers are engaged in in-person roles, with the remaining either working remotely or in a hybrid setup. Satisfaction levels are high, with 88% of working individuals expressing contentment—45% of them are very satisfied, while 43% are somewhat satisfied.
However, the poll also sheds light on challenges that older adults face in the workplace. Among those aged 50 and above, one-third experience negative effects on their physical health, while 29% report a detrimental impact on their mental health. Those claiming fair or poor mental health often feel they cannot take time off for necessary health appointments—22% of them compared to just 7% of those with better mental health.
“Work after 65 has many health benefits,” says Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the poll director. “As we delve deeper into the effects of isolation and loneliness on older adults, it’s vital to consider how work can play a role in their overall health.”
The report compares data from Michigan adults aged 50 and older with those across the nation. An interactive tool allows users to explore these results further. You can find it here: Interactive Data.
Today, nearly 38 million Americans aged 50 and older are part of the workforce—more than double the number from 40 years ago. Carly Roszkowski from AARP emphasizes that work offers critical social connections and cognitive benefits, not just financial support. Yet, challenges like age discrimination persist, making it harder for older adults to secure and enjoy their jobs.
About 39% of older adults, both working and non-retired, report facing barriers to employment. Common obstacles include health issues (29%), lack of training (13%), and limited transportation (11%). For those not currently working but not retired, over 80% reported facing at least one barrier.
Among those aged 50 and older who worked within the last five years, many reported less than ideal experiences. A significant number felt their skills were underused (26%), that the pay was inadequate (25%), or that their health insurance was insufficient (20%). Age discrimination also affected 11% of respondents.
Other key findings from the poll highlight reasons why older adults work:
- Financial stability: 78%
- Saving for retirement: 65%
- Access to health insurance: 59%
- Contributing to society: 26%
In terms of health benefits, the poll found:
- 32% of those aged 65+ reported very positive impacts on physical health compared to 14% aged 50-64.
- 41% of those aged 65+ noted substantial benefits to their mental health, versus 20% for the younger group.
- 39% of older adults indicated very positive effects on their overall well-being.
The findings from this national poll were gathered from a survey of 3,486 adults between the ages of 50 and 94 in August 2024, ensuring a representative sample across the country.
For more details, you can check the full report at Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan.
Source link
Aging, Brain, Health Insurance, Healthcare, Medicine, Mental Health
