While writing last week’s post on seniors and happiness, I remembered a conversation with a 68-year-old retiree who splits his time between a Florida senior living community and six months working as a part-time starter at a New England golf course. He retired from teaching nearly a decade ago and laughed that he’s “the happiest man in America making $8 an hour.”
A 2013 survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that roughly 80 percent of U.S. workers over age 50 plan to continue working after retirement. For some, continuing to work is a financial necessity. For many others, it’s a deliberate choice to stay active, engaged, and mentally sharp.
Retirees are often attractive candidates for employers. They bring years of experience, a strong work ethic, and reliability. Many choose to keep working not merely for income but to find meaningful ways to contribute, applying skills and knowledge accumulated over long careers.
Some retirees seek roles that build on their previous careers, while many pursue entirely new directions in what has become known as an “encore career.”
Tapping seniors’ skills
The encore career movement has grown as Baby Boomers discover that retirement can be an opportunity to start a fulfilling second act. Encore.org (formerly Civic Ventures), which coined the term, aims to channel the experience and talents of older adults toward solving social challenges. The organization connects seniors seeking meaningful work with employers who value seasoned professionals.
Encore.org’s perspective reframes an aging population as a resource rather than a burden. People in and beyond midlife hold valuable skills, experience, and judgment that can address pressing societal needs. Mobilizing this talent creates opportunities for individuals and communities alike.
Great options for your encore career
Forbes has highlighted several promising fields for encore careers:
Not-for-profits: With more than a million nonprofit organizations across the country, retirees can often find causes they care about. Nonprofits welcome volunteers but also hire paid staff for administrative and program roles. While salaries may not be high, these positions can offer strong purpose and satisfaction.
Healthcare: As the population ages, healthcare demand grows. Opportunities exist beyond clinical roles—administrative, support, education, and patient-navigation jobs can all benefit from the communication skills and compassion many retirees bring.
Coaching: Life and career coaching is a growing field that lets retirees translate years of experience into practical guidance for others. While formal training and credentialing (for example, through recognized coaching organizations) is typically required, coaching can be a rewarding encore career for those who enjoy mentoring and helping people reach their goals.
Adventure at any age
Encore.org research found that many soon-to-be retirees are interested in pursuing entirely new roles rather than continuing their previous careers. This shift has opened doors to adventurous and unconventional work options.
Websites like CoolWorks.com connect job seekers with seasonal, outdoor, and adventure-oriented positions across the globe. While the site initially expected younger users, it discovered a substantial number of retirement-age applicants seeking new experiences. From dude ranches in Wyoming to hospitality roles abroad, these opportunities often pay modestly but can include perks such as low-cost housing or discounted meals, making them appealing to seniors seeking a fresh chapter.
How CCRCs are accommodating working seniors
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, are increasingly supporting residents who want to work during retirement. Senior Housing News has reported on several strategies CCRCs are adopting to facilitate encore careers:
- Providing transportation to off-site workplaces
- Offering job opportunities within the community for residents
- Creating shared and private workspaces on campus with secure Wi-Fi
These initiatives make it easier for residents to pursue meaningful work while remaining connected to their communities, which can enhance satisfaction and overall well-being.
>> Learn more about CCRCs in your area by using myLifeSite’s free online community search tool!
A job you love
For many Baby Boomers, retirement isn’t about stopping activity; it’s a chance to slow down the pace, reshape work, or explore new passions. An encore career can be a continuation of a beloved profession with a gentler schedule or a complete reinvention. Numerous resources exist to help older adults find fulfilling opportunities, including job boards, nonprofit placement services, and organizations focused on older-worker engagement.
Exploring options, assessing personal interests and strengths, and considering training or credentialing when needed can help retirees find a role that brings purpose, community, and enjoyment in their later years.