More Older Women in the Workforce

Workers delaying retirement

"Older workers are staying in the labor force longer, including going to another job after retiring from their 'career job,' "  Teri Morisi, the BLS branch chief for the Division of Occupational Employment Projections, tells AARP. There are a number of reasons behind this trend, Morisi says, including the fact that "people are living longer, wish to remain healthy and active, and need the income to live to higher ages." 

There has also been a shift from employers providing traditional retirement plans, like pensions, to voluntary savings accounts, which makes retirement security more uncertain. Additionally, people who stay in the labor force longer get a higher Social Security benefit, which could also contribute to longer careers, Morisi says. Workers may also seek to keep their employer-based health care coverage.

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