Many older Americans are returning to the workforce
Newsy
Most of us work to someday kick back and retire. But current economic conditions are making it harder for those already retired, to stay retired.
From the pillbox and paintings to the peaceful lunches with his wife Lynn, retirement is calm as can be for David Steed — except when it's not.
Three days a week, Steed drives shuttles in Saco, Maine. He helps older residents get to card games and doctor's appointments. And he gets paid, which puts him among the 11 million Americans 65 and over in the workforce.
"Knowing that you're helping people, and knowing that they really appreciate it," Steed said, "keeps me young and on the move, all the time."
As boomers become seniors and Americans live longer, those 65 and up now make up 22% of the population. Two decades ago, they made up just 3% of the workforce. Now, that figure has more than doubled.
Some desire community or continued purpose, like Steed. "I've had a pretty good life," he said, "and an excellent life with my wife. I want to give back. And this is my way of doing it."
