The Encore Generation

The idea that many workers reaching their mid and late 60s think they are too young to retire and - particularly in the wake of the recession - may have no choice but to keep working, is not particularly new. But with growing evidence of a demographic wrench being thrown into the classic arc of the life course - essentially a bonus decade or three added to the average life span over the last century - researchers are now exploring an entirely new developmental stage for people ages 55-75, and they are challenging the notion that these years are marked by mental and emotional decline. In fact, surveys show that many Americans approaching retirement want to continue working past traditional retirement age and have a strong desire to remain productive and set new goals. Many plan to continue either full time or part time work into their 70s, and a substantial number work into their 80s!

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