By: Michelle Jackson, Screening and Application Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan 

Older Adults are working much later in today’s job market. Some work due to economic reasons and some work for socialization as well as keeping mentally and physically fit. Employers often hire older staff due to their experience and commitment to the company they work for. In many cases a job can be more than just bringing in income, it can be fulfilling and, in many cases, prevent stress and weight gain. It is important for all of us to keep our mind stimulated, whether we are reading a book or newspaper or focusing on something important to us.  

According to a medical article published within the Harvard Medical School they found through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017, that 32% of people ages 65 to 69 were working, and 19% of people ages 70 to 74 were employed. The projection for 2024 is that 36% of people ages 65 to 69 will be in the labor force, far more than the 22% who were working in 1994. Older adults that do decide to work later in life need to be careful not to let stress from a job develop. Stress can add many physical as well as mental complications to their life, which can cause heart attacks and medical problems, which is not beneficial to working later in life.  

The BMC Public Health study found that there was a lack of evidence for effects on quality of life, and a dearth of interventions enabling older workers to extend their healthy working life. 

Health and happiness should always come first before continuing to work later in life, however, if you are able to continue to work it could lead to a healthier happy life. 

Michelle Jackson is an Economic Security Team Member for MiCAFE as well as an MMAP counselor at Elder Law of Michigan. Michelle has been a member of the Elder Law of Michigan team since March 2013. As an Economic Security Team Member and MMAP counselor, Michelle assists Michigan seniors with benefit applications and serves as an advocate for the health and safety of seniors.