Q: My husband retired two years ago and loved his work. He still has not figured out his retirement. I am encouraging him to explore going back to work so he will be more fulfilled. We could use a little extra money. Your thoughts? C.L.
At one time, retirement meant leaving the workforce permanently. That’s not the case today. We now have the “working retired.”
Here’s some background information and examples that might help your husband think about possible next steps.
So why is retirement getting so much attention? Americans are living longer with better overall health. Many can still work. Add to that having expectations from their retirement experience that go beyond travel, family, and hobbies. Note for many, this describes the perfect retirement … and they are thrilled not to be working.
However, with uncertain times, decisions and aspirations of yesterday may no longer fit the needs of today and tomorrow, particularly when it comes to financial stability. AARP reports that about one in five Americans over age 50 who aren’t retired say they have no retirement savings.
Here are a few trends:
1. Unretirement. This term refers to the growing number of retirees who are returning to work. This is not a new story. More than 10 years ago, noted journalist and finance columnist Chris Farrell wrote a book entitled “Unretirement: How Baby Boomers are Changing the Way We Think About Work, Community and the Good Life” (Bloomsbury Press, 2014). He quotes Peter Drucker, father and philosopher of modern management, as saying that “every once in a while a society crosses a major divide and rearranges its world view: its basic values, its social and political structure; its arts and key institutions.” Farrell notes the transformation of retirement into unretirement marks such a divide … a revolution in the making.
More recently, there is Richard Eisenberg, known as the unretirement journalist and formerly with PBS Next Avenue, who writes “The View From Unretirement” for Marketwatch. He also teaches a course on the subject at NYU.
Economics plays a role in this unretirement. According to a 2025 AARP survey, roughly half of retirees (48 percent) reentered the labor force because they needed the money or their economic outlook was poor. Additionally, reasons included enjoying the job, liking to work, being bored, and wanting to help others.
2. Creativity. Retirees are creative, picking up gig work and contract jobs. They are delivering people and parcels, taking care of pets, or folding other people’s laundry. They like setting their own hours and working when they choose. However, there are disadvantages which include lack of job protection and insufficient wages that cover don’t on-the-job expenses. Also, companies such as Uber and Lyft take a percentage from the earnings.
Here is a surprising figure: About one-third of Americans in their 70s and 80s are running their own business. Some of these “silver startups” were founded out of necessity. Business owners in their 80s told “Business Insider” they started their company after being laid off, experiencing financial setbacks, or health issues making it too difficult to work full-time. In addition to providing cash, some solopreneurs hope to create a product or service that can improve lives of others. And for some, it’s a last hurrah, a culmination of ideas that had been percolating for years.
To help determine if starting or owning a business or self-employment is a good fit, see the AARP free toolkit Work for Yourself@50+.
3. Health benefits. Working in later life has benefits beyond income. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “continuing to work in some capacity helps keep the body and brain ‘young.’” It can boost self-esteem, increase happiness, and protect one from many age-related health issues. And it doesn’t matter how much you work since there is no clear link between the amount of time you spend at work and health benefits, according to Cal Halverson, associate professor of gerontological social work at Washington University. St. Louis and leader of the ongoing Older Workers’ Health and Well-being Study at Harvard‘s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
4. And more. Furthermore, work can fulfill the need for purpose, for social connection, structure for the day or week, and more. It gets you out of the house. It sends a message that you matter, that someone expects something from you.
This is not the solution for everyone. Millions of Americans are thrilled not to be working. Yet, for some, the work path is worth exploring.
Thank you, C.L., for your important question. Stay well and remember to spread the gift of kindness.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate, and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity