For years, careers advanced through three stages: Learn, Earn, Retire. 

During the first stage, the primary focus was on acquiring knowledge and skills as a foundation for a thriving career. The middle stage was all about work, with a keen eye on advancement and salary increases. Then came retirement, which for most, happened around age 65. 

Today, this journey is far more fluid, with more employers involved from start to finish. Life-long learning has become the new career catalyst, as businesses strive to recruit talent to help them better compete in a rapidly changing world.  

With people living longer, the work runway is extending well beyond age 65. For some, it’s a choice to stay engaged in work they enjoy. For others, it’s a necessity to bolster their retirement nest egg. 

Whatever the motivation, digital is creating more ways for today’s older workers to stay engaged in meaningful jobs, but at a more leisurely pace.

Our Aging Population

In 1900, life expectancy in the United States was 46.3 years for men and 48.3 years for women. By 2000, we added about 30 more years to the life expectancy clock. Looking ahead, experts predict that by the mid-2030s, life expectancy will top 90 years. 

The 2030s will usher in one more stunning demographic shift. Older people will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s projections, by 2034, there will be 77 million people 65 years and older, compared to 76.5 million under 18.

Paying for a 30+ Year Retirement

We might be living longer, but our bank accounts haven’t caught up. 

While nearly 80% of our parents could count on pension income, this retirement revenue stream is disappearing. Only 23% of younger Boomers (ages 56-61) expect to receive pension income and only 38% of older Boomers enjoy that benefit.