Work and career are among the many dimensions of life that impact healthy aging. In later life, some people end careers while others keep working, and still others start new careers. Some find a "fun" job that doesn't have the weight of a career. Many older adults who wish or need to remain in the workforce may require training or retraining to meet changing job market needs. The bottom line is that the reality of retirement is changing. A study conducted by AARP sheds important light on various aspects of this issue, and has implications for employers and older workers alike. Here are the study results:

Attitudes toward work

Fifty percent of people age 45 or older are working now. They have strong reasons for wanting to keep working. They also have many ideas about how long they want to work and what kind of work they want to do. And employers are starting to pay attention. Changes in the American workforce will make older workers more needed and more valued.

Why there will be more jobs than workers

During the coming decades, the number of workers age 55 and over will increase, to almost 20% of all workers. In fact, the number of workers age 55 to 64 will grow the most of any labor force group in the U.S. This will mostly be due to the large numbers of baby boomers.

At the same time, the generations coming after the boomers are much smaller in number. This means fewer workers to replace boomers who retire or change jobs. And that, in turn, will bring a future of more jobs than workers.

Within this changing workforce, older workers will play an important role. Many older workers plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. Some will continue within their current jobs. Many others will try new jobs and learn new skills. Also, they hope to have jobs with greater balance between work and non-work time.

What they want from work

In the AARP study workers age 45-70 were asked what they wanted from work, and it was found that most older workers have strong ideas about their place in the future workforce. Some of the people surveyed were "pre-retirees" - they were considering retiring in five to ten years. Others were "working retirees" - they had retired from full-time work but were working part-time.

"I want to continue working."

"I want more flexibility and autonomy than I've had in earlier work--like part-time work and more adjustable schedules."

More than half of pre- and working-retirees say it's very important to work where:

• employee opinions are valued
• they can work as long as they want to
• they can take off time to care for relatives, and
• they can set their own hours

"I want to continue balancing home and work as a goal."

• Seventy percent are looking for ways to better balance work and personal life.
• Major life and family changes occurred for 20-30% in the last five years.
• More than one-third are caretakers to a spouse, parent, grandchild, or other.
• African American, Asian American, and Hispanic workers are responsible for more caregiving and have had more life and family changes than others.

"I find work fulfilling."

• Eighty-six percent say that staying in the workforce keeps them healthy and active.
• Nearly 60% feel that their jobs contribute to society or help people.
• Less than one-third say they look forward to full retirement.

"I know what my ideal job would include."

• About 90 percent want a worker-friend environment.
• Eighty percent want opportunities to learn something new.
• Seventy-five percent want to pursue something they've always wanted to do.
• Sixteen percent of pre-retirees who plan to work in retirement want to work for themselves or start their own business.

The Michigan Older American Community Service Employment Program assists low income seniors to find employment opportunities. Its mission is to provide job training and placement for people with limited financial resources who are age 55 or older. For more information about the Michigan Older American Community Service Employment Program contact Laura McMurtry, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, at 517-335-4018.

More information on older workers and older worker programs:

• The National Council on Aging. Post job listing and visit Job Boards and other web sites for jobs and volunteer opportunities.
• Operation ABLE of Michiganprograms meet the employment needs of mature individuals.
• AARP Employer Resource Center
• "Letting Older Workers Work". A report available at the Urban Institute research organization.
• "Employer Attitudes Towards Older Workers: Survey Results". Center For Retirement Research at Boston College.
• "12 Benefits of Hiring Older Workers" Entrepreneur.com lists twelve reasons why hiring older workers can help you maintain a reliable, dedicated workforce.