A new poll by the University of Michigan finds that individuals who work past age 65 experience improved physical and mental health, along with a heightened sense of purpose. The poll also sheds light on barriers faced by older adults in the workforce.
In recent years, more Americans are choosing — or needing — to work beyond the traditional retirement age. A new poll from the University of Michigan reveals that for many older adults, staying in the workforce is not just an economic necessity, but also a boon for their health and well-being
Findings from the U-M National Poll on Healthy Aging indicate that over two-thirds of workers over 50 believe their job positively affects their physical and mental health.
Particularly noteworthy, 46% of these workers say that having a sense of purpose is a crucial reason for their continued employment.
Another 46% strongly agree that working keeps their brain sharp.
“Americans are living and working longer than ever before, with nearly 38 million older adults in the workforce today — more than two and a half times the number from 40 years ago,” Carly Roszkowski, vice president of financial resilience at AARP, said in a news release. “This poll reinforces what we hear from older workers every day — that work provides more than just a paycheck. It offers purpose, connection and cognitive benefits. But barriers like age discrimination stand in the way.”
Statistics from the poll reveal that 18% of respondents aged 65 and older are either employed full-time, part-time or are self-employed, compared to 63% of those aged 50 to 64.
Furthermore, 88% of working older adults report being satisfied with their job. Among them, 69% work in-person, while the remainder either work fully remotely or in a hybrid format.
Poll director Jeffrey Kullgren, a primary care physician at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and an associate professor of internal medicine at U-M , commented on the significance of these findings.
“Our perceptions of working after age 65 have changed over time, and these data suggest that most older adults who are still able to work after the traditional retirement age derive health-related benefits from doing so,” he said in the news release. “As we learn more about how loneliness, lack of social connection and isolation intertwine with physical and mental health in older adults, the role of work is important to consider.”
However, the poll also highlights some challenges.
One-third of working adults over 50 reported that their job negatively impacts their physical health, and 29% said it adversely affects their mental health.
Notably, among those with self-reported fair or poor mental health, 22% indicated they cannot take time off for health-related appointments, a significant disparity from the 7% among those with better mental health.
The poll, based at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation and supported by AARP and Michigan Medicine, also identified several barriers preventing older adults from working. These include disabilities, chronic illnesses, lack of training or experience and limited transportation options.
For those not currently employed but not yet retired, 39% identified at least one barrier to returning to work.
Comprehensive data, including an interactive visualization of findings specific to Michigan compared to other states, is available here.
As the workforce continues to age, creating environments where older adults can thrive professionally may benefit society by fostering healthier, more engaged communities. The poll’s results suggest that harnessing the potential of older workers not only contributes economically but also enriches their overall quality of life.