Rethinking Retirement: Why Older Adults Are Reentering the Workforce

Home Instead provides four benefits to 'unretirement'

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Unsettled by the pandemic, many workers found themselves looking at their jobs from a fresh perspective, while others left the workforce entirely ? a phenomenon known as the 'Great Resignation.' In fact, according to data reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, workers quit their jobs at record rates, with 47.8 million voluntarily resigning.

Yet, with employers eager to fill many open positions, coupled with the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, the workforce is seeing an increase in retirees returning to work. The idea of retirement is extremely desirable to most: more quality time spent with family and friends, or time to pursue a new hobby. However, after years or even months in retirement, some older adults find themselves missing the structure and fulfillment that a job once provided. Or in response to changing economic conditions, many are simply looking for supplemental income.

"Retirement looks different for everyone, but it's not uncommon for retirees to express a sense of regret or boredom and long for companionship and social connections formed at the workplace," explained Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead. "With today's labor market, there's no better time to jump back into the workforce and reignite the passion of doing what you love or discover a new career path worth pursuing."

The pandemic has had a major impact on retirement trends, especially among older adults. As you rethink how you may want to spend your later years and what fulfills you, consider these four reasons to unretire:

• Finding Your True Passion. Unretiring provides the opportunity to pursue your passion and try something new, whether it be a career in personal services, nonprofit work, creative outlet, or another role that provides fulfillment. A job in caregiving, for example, can be a great fit as it provides a flexible schedule and rewarding experience by helping seniors achieve their best quality of life. A job in retail offers the opportunity to interact with customers, mentor younger employees, and flexible hours.
• Fighting Off Boredom. Some people don't anticipate the isolation or mental decline that can result when they retire and leave the workforce. Making the decision to return could help fight off boredom and add a sense of purpose to your day. Daily work activities can help you stay mentally sharp by boosting your memory and cognitive skills.
• Social Connections. Many people will tell you that their closest friends started as colleagues at work. From workplace outings to social events as a team, the connections you make at work can improve your quality of life.
• Getting Back to a Daily Routine. Lack of structure or routine can create endless days that run together and lead to feelings of restlessness. Having a weekly work schedule and routine can help provide a framework for which we live our lives and conduct daily activities, such as when we wake up in the morning or when we have lunch.

It's never too late to unretire and reignite an old passion or explore a new career. If you have considered unretirement or have decided you want to return to the workforce, evaluate your desires and skills that can help meet your post-retirement goals. Learn more and take the quiz to discover the right path for you: https://www.unretireyourself.com/resources/quiz/.

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ABOUT HOME INSTEAD, AN HONOR COMPANY
Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor, are expanding the world's capacity to care. With the world's largest home care network and the most advanced care platform, Honor and Home Instead are revolutionizing care for older adults, their families, and Care Professionals. Home Instead, Inc. is the premier home care franchisor through its network of independently owned and operated Home Instead franchise businesses. Combined, the network has more than 100,000 Care Professionals across 13 countries, meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide. For more information, visit joinhonor.com and homeinstead.com.

Media Contact

Dan Wieberg, Home Instead, Inc., 1 402-498-4466, [email protected]

SOURCE Home Instead, Inc.