Most of our grandparents and parents reached the age of “retirement” and did just that, they retired. But today the trend is changing and it is becoming more and more common for those reaching retirement to continue working, negotiate alternative working arrangements or embark on entirely new careers.
An increased life expectancy is only one of many factors contibuting to this trend. Although many continue in their careers or start new careers out of interest and not financial compensation, there are those who are realizing that they lack the money needed to live to an average life expectancy that is continually expanding beyond age 80. A Desjardis Financial Security study found a third of couples who are aged 65 now will have at least one survivor at age 95 so you may need money and income for longer than you’ve worked!
A Statistics Canada report found the number of seniors from 1981 to 2005 increased from 9.6% to 13.1% of the total population. From 2005 to 2036 the number of seniors are expected to increase from 4.2 million to 9.8 million. Whether you retire, continue to work or enter into a career transition, your decision will be one made by many others for years to come.