Having a job, whether working for another person or being your own boss, gives older Americans more than just a way to earn money or get health insurance, according to a new survey.
According to a new report from the University of Michigan, more than two thirds of those who work after the age of 50, more than two years say that the work increases their physical health, mental health and/or general well -being.
Almost half (46%) of those who work say that having a sense of purpose is a very important reason to do so. The same percentage agrees that the work maintains its acute brain.
Those who were still working beyond 65 were more likely to inform that the work has a very positive impact on their health and well -being, and totally agrees that the work maintains its acute brain.
In general, 18% of the survey of the 65 -year -old survey said they work full or partially for an employer or work on their own, compared to 63% of those aged 50 to 64. Of all 50 years or more. 69% said their work is in person, with the rest divided by those who work completely or partially. And 88% of those who work say they feel satisfied (45% very, 43% something) with their work.
But the survey also highlights the barriers to the work facing older adults and reveals that some experience negative effects.
Among the people 50 or more who work, 33% say that their work has a negative effect on their physical health, and 29% say they have a negative effect on their mental health. Among adults who work who say their mental health is fair or poor, 22% say they cannot take a free time of work for health -related quotations, compared to 7% of those who report better health mental.
The survey is based on the Institute of Policy and Health Innovation of the UM, and backed by AARP and Michigan Medicine, UM Academic Medical Center.
“Our perceptions of working after 65 have changed over time, and these data suggest that most older adults who can still work after the traditional retirement age obtain health -related benefits in doing so,” said the Survey Director Jeffrey Kullgren, MD, MPH, MS, Primary Care Doctor at the VA Ann Arbor and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at UM. “As we learn more about how loneliness, lack of social connection and isolation are intertwined with physical and mental health in older adults, it is important to consider the role of work.”
In addition to the national survey report, the team compiled data for adults from Michigan, 50 years or more compared to those of other states; An interactive data display is available in https://michmed.org/gez3b.
“Americans live and work longer than ever, with almost 38 million older adults in the workforce today, more than twice and a half times the number of 40 years ago,” said Carly Roszkowski, vice president of financial resistance in AARP. “This survey reinforces what we hear from older workers every day: that work provides more than a single payment check. It offers purpose, connection and cognitive benefits. But barriers such as age discrimination are brought along the way.”
Barriers to work and negative experiences
The survey asked about work barriers, both those who work and among those who currently do not work but are not retired either. The last group includes 24% of people from 50 to 64 years and 5% of people 65 years or older.
In general, 39% of all unpaid older adults, whether they work for payment or not, cited at least one barrier to work. Many cited multiple barriers. The percentage that informs at least one barrier was very high, more than 80%, among which they are not working but are not retired.
The barriers included disability, chronic disease or poor health (29%of all unpaid older adults), lack of training, skills or experience (13%), limited transport options (11%), care of an adult (8% ), care of a child or grandson (5%) or a prior conviction or legal action (3%).
The survey also asked all adults 50 years and older who had worked in the last five years about their experience related to work. Of this group, 26% thought that their skills were not being completely used, 25% said the payment was too low to assert their time, and 20% said their health insurance did not cover their needs. In addition, 13% felt that their work was too physically demanding and 11% said they experienced age discrimination at work.
Other findings:
Very important reasons to work, among those over 50 who work:
- Financial stability: 78%
- Save for retirement: 65%
- Access to health insurance: 59%
- Contribute to society: 26%
Health work impacts, among those over 50 who work:
- Very positive impact on physical health (32% age 65+ compared to 14% age 50-64)
- Very positive impact on mental health (41% age 65+ compared to 20% age 50-64)
- Very positive impact on well-being (39% age 65+ compared to 21% age 50-64)
Percentage of older adults who work who totally agree with the specific benefits of working:
- It helps keep your acute brain (57% age 65+ compared to 43% from 50 to 64 years)
- Help maintain social connections (37% age 65+, 28% age 50-64)
- Helps to stay focused (40% of 65 years, 28% age 50-64)
The survey findings come from a national representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for IHPI and administered online and by telephone in August 2024 between 3,486 adults from 50 to 94 years in the United States, the sample is He subsequently pondered to reflect the American population. Read the previous national survey on healthy aging reports and on the survey methodology.