Life expectancy steadily increases causing more individuals to rethink their retirement plans.

Life expectancy is rapidly approaching 80 years old.

This means that many people have 20 or more years of productivity beyond their first retirement.

Why are these people working longer?

A change in Social Security does not meet needs in the long run.

Changes in employer pensions and health benefits are inadequate.

There is an increased need for income security for many.

Many individuals lack the savings to retire to lifestyle that is desired.

It has been found that 70 percent of pre-retirees plan to work at least part-time in retirement.

The Baby Boomers are causing businesses to rethink their policies and plans .

The generation following the Baby Boomers is much smaller thus fewer workers are available to replace retirees.

Business needs to understand and adjust to a workforce of 50 plus workers. These 50 plus individuals choose to work past retirement because of:

-Financial need and health benefits

-Stay mentally active and healthy

-Do something &8220;fun&8221; and giving back to the community

-Learn new things

The older workers reported that they are seeking the following:

-Flexibility and autonomy

-Work-life balance

-Access to training opportunities

-Opportunity to develop new skills

-Meaningful work

AARP&8217;s five-part workforce agenda encourages the following from employers:

-Flexibility

-Scheduling, job sharing, phased retirement, telecommuting, and leave especially for caregiving

-Age diversity and fairness

-Benefits that promote financial security for all employees

-A work environment that accommodates different physical abilities

-Training and growth opportunities

-An environment without age discrimination

What is the older workers&8217; ideal job? Older workers and pre-retirees reported:

-90 percent – worker friendly environment

-80 percent – opportunity to learn something new

-75 percent – do something they&8217;ve always wanted to do

-Others – work part-time or volunteer

Dr. Marvin Copes is Education/Community Service Volunteer for AARP Alabama in Maylene. He can be reached by e-mail at mailto:mlcopes@charter.net