Health Benefits of Employment for Older Americans
A recent study from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging uncovers the profound health advantages that come with employment for older Americans, especially those aged 65 and over.
The findings reveal that more than two-thirds of individuals over 50 believe that their jobs positively impact their physical and mental health, as well as enhance their overall quality of life.
A sense of purpose emerges as a crucial aspect of this discussion.
Nearly 46% of participants consider their work a key source of motivation to remain in the workforce, and a similar proportion acknowledges that staying employed helps maintain their cognitive health.
Engagement and Job Satisfaction
Among those aged 65 and above who are still active in the workforce, the benefits amplify.
These older workers frequently celebrate the cognitive advantages associated with their jobs.
The study indicates that 18% of respondents aged 65 and older are currently working—either part-time or full-time—as employees or self-employed individuals.
Interestingly, this rate climbs to 63% among those aged 50 to 64.
In terms of job structure, 69% of older workers are engaged in entirely in-person roles, while the rest work in remote or hybrid environments.
Job satisfaction is notably high, with 88% of respondents expressing happiness with their positions; 45% of these workers described themselves as very satisfied.
Challenges Faced by Older Workers
Despite these positive findings, the survey does highlight some challenges faced by older adults in the workforce.
Among the employed participants aged 50 and older, 33% reported that their jobs adversely affected their physical health, and 29% raised concerns about their mental well-being.
Alarmingly, 22% of those experiencing fair or poor mental health stated they could not take time off for healthcare needs, compared to just 7% of those with better mental health.
Conducted by the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan, this research received support from AARP and Michigan Medicine.
The poll’s director emphasized a societal shift in how working beyond retirement age is perceived, noting that many older adults today are reaping health benefits from their jobs.
Given the ongoing exploration of isolation and social interaction’s impact on health, employment emerges as a vital avenue for connection.
In addition to national insights, the research also focused on residents of Michigan aged 50 and older, providing a comprehensive view for comparison with other states.
Visual representations of this data are available for those interested in delving deeper.
As AARP points out, the number of older adults in the workforce has surged, now over two and a half times what it was four decades ago.
The results resonate with older workers who find their jobs not only a source of income but also crucial for their sense of purpose and social interaction.
However, challenges such as age discrimination still hinder their full participation.
- Major reasons for working among those aged 50 and older:
- Financial stability: 78%
- Retirement savings: 65%
- Access to health insurance: 59%
- Societal contributions: 26%
The survey also tracks obstacles faced by older adults in finding or keeping employment.
Among those who are not currently working but aren’t retired, 24% are between the ages of 50 and 64, while only 5% are 65 and older.
Overall, 39% of older adults not in retirement reported facing barriers to employment opportunities.
Notably, over 80% of those not working but not retired recorded at least one significant obstacle.
Highlighted barriers included health-related issues, such as chronic illnesses or disabilities (29% of non-retired individuals), insufficient training or experience (13%), transportation challenges (11%), and caregiving responsibilities (8% for adults and 5% for children or grandchildren).
A small percentage (3%) mentioned past legal issues as a hindrance in their job search.
Reflecting on their work experiences over the past five years, older respondents shared valuable insights: 26% felt their skills were underutilized, while 25% considered their pay inadequate.
Other concerns included inadequate health insurance (20%), excessive physical demands (13%), and facing ageism (11%).
- Positive health impacts linked to work for individuals aged 50 and older:
- Improved physical health (32% of those 65+, compared to 14% aged 50-64)
- Enhanced mental health (41% of those 65+, versus 20% for 50-64 age group)
- Better overall well-being (39% of those 65+, while 21% for 50-64)
- Strong consensus on the benefits of employment among older workers:
- Cognitive engagement: 57% aged 65+ (43% aged 50-64)
- Social interactions: 37% aged 65+ (28% aged 50-64)
- Heightened focus: 40% aged 65+ (28% aged 50-64)
This research was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago.
They surveyed 3,486 adults between the ages of 50 and 94 across the U.S. in August 2024, ensuring a representative sample reflective of the broader U.S. demographic.
Source: ScienceDaily