Working longer and older?

When you started out on your career path, did you imagine that you’d still be trundling off to work in your late 60s or 70s? Possibly not, but as the populations of the world age, and people are living longer, there’s increased pressure to raise retirement ages, so that increased longevity will mean an increase in working years. The Pope has just stepped down at the ripe old age of 85, will you be the same? Forget putting your feet up and spending your golden years taking it easy, you might now be asking yourself whether you are fit enough to keep up with these extra work expectations.

You only have to look at old photos of generations gone by to see that what was once considered old enough to put your feet up, is now viewed as young enough to work a full day. Apparently 50 is the new 30, 60 the new 40 and so on and so forth. While some may grumble as their days of relaxation are fading away into the more distant future, there are others who relish the growing acceptance of the over 60s at work.

Age is just a number
Studies suggest  positive results for those in their 70s who work out, showing fitness is important at any age. Gone is the old fashioned granny-in-a-rocker image, today’s older folk are younger in their bodies, minds and lifestyles; more active and fitter than ever before. If you have found yourself using age as an excuse to lead a more sedentary life then remember that in this day and age of longer living, age really is just a number.

Retirement age rising
Americans retire later than anyone with the average age around the 67 mark. While statistics from around five years ago reveal around 40% of Australian over 45 were retired, a recent report called for the retirement age to rise to 70. In the UK too, the age for slacking off is expected to reach 66 by 2020, and steadily rise. An ever-young Rose Syracuse certainly had a good innings at Macy’s, after putting in 70 plus years at the iconic retail store, retiring at a sprightly 92.

Anyone who needs any persuading of the need to keep fitter for longer, above and beyond the need to be able to be able to stay in gainful employment, should consider other benefits too:

• Improving the quality of your life as you get older – whether you’re working or not
• Socializing with other like-minded people in a healthy, pro-active environment
• Positivity, reducing stress and keeping positive
• Maintaining your body’s functionality and improving it
• Being body aware and accepting the aging process
• Rehabilitating through exercise after illness and/or injury
• Preventing injuries and strengthening the body and bones

Whether you plan to finish work as soon as you can, or you’ve already retired, that fact that people are living longer lives  should be enough to inspire you to make sure it’s a healthy one rather than many years of feeling inactive and unable to enjoy life to the full.