Rosalind Evans
In an era where retirement doesn’t necessarily mean the end of work, individuals find renewed purpose and connections through continued employment and “encore careers.” Amy Arnott and Marc Freedman delve into the multifaceted benefits of working beyond the traditional retirement age, emphasizing the financial imperative and the profound social and psychological advantages that sustained employment can bring.
Marc Freedman highlights the essential role of work in providing economic security, especially for those with ongoing familial responsibilities. “I turned 65 last year and have eighth, 10th, and 12th graders still in my household. So, retirement is not in my near-term future for sure,” Freedman shares, underscoring the financial motivations for working later in life. Beyond the paycheck, however, lies a more profound significance; Freud’s assertion that love and work are the keys to life echoes through Freedman’s observations on the social and psychic imperatives of work. The longing for productive relationships and collaborative endeavours remains strong among retirees, who often miss the sense of purpose and community work.
Despite wanting to continue working, many need help in realizing this goal. Christine Benz points out the discrepancy between the intention to work longer and the actual ability to do so, citing early retirement trends. Freedman emphasizes the need for infrastructure to support individuals in transitioning into new phases of their work life, advocating for programs that facilitate reentry into the workforce and exploring new directions.
The benefits of a prolonged work life extend beyond financial stability to include vital social connections and a sense of purpose, which are linked to overall well-being. “The kind of holy trinity of benefits of longer working lives is income security, social connection, and an ongoing sense of purpose,” Freedman asserts, highlighting the holistic advantages of continued engagement in the workforce.
As Freedman describes, the concept of an encore career is a powerful testament to the capacity for reinvention and meaningful contribution in later life. Through examples like Gary Maxworthy’s Farm to Family program, we see how leveraging accumulated experience can lead to impactful social innovations. This new chapter in one’s career is a personal journey of rediscovery and a valuable contribution to society’s greater good.
The retirement narrative is evolving from a final chapter to an opportunity for an encore, where the wisdom and experience of age are channelled into new, purposeful endeavours. Freedman and Benz’s insights illuminate a path forward that values the continued contributions of older adults, encouraging a societal shift that embraces the untapped potential of working beyond retirement.
