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Rising costs, boredom keep seniors in the workforce

Rising costs, boredom keep seniors in the workforce

Amrita Ahuja
| February 4, 2025

Main article

Rising costs, boredom, and job satisfaction are keeping seniors in the workforce, according to a survey released Jan. 31 by ResumeTemplates.com.

The poll of 1,000 US residents aged 65 and older found that one in four seniors still work, while 3% are actively seeking employment.

Among working seniors, 22% are “unretired” — having returned to work after leaving the workforce — while another 6% of retirees plan to reenter in 2025. 

Cost-of-living increases remain the primary motivator, with 51% of retirees considering a return to work due to rising expenses. Other factors include avoiding boredom, 36%; earning additional income to cover debt, 29%; insufficient retirement savings, 24%; and concerns about how policies under President Donald Trump may impact their finances, 20%.

Top reasons seniors have not retired include:

  • Enjoy working, 61%
  • Fear of boredom, 42%
  • Cost-of-living concerns, 39%

The survey also found that 11% of employed seniors work part time, while another 11% remain in full-time roles. Younger seniors, particularly those aged 65 to 70, are the most likely to continue working.

“One thing seniors returning to or still in the workforce need to be aware of is age discrimination,” ResumeTemplates Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre said in a press release.

“If you’re currently employed, you might find yourself in situations where someone is trying to push you out,” Toothacre said. “If you’re returning to the workforce, you’ll find it difficult in some functions and industries because hiring managers believe you’ll cost more and might be less efficient. These judgments won’t apply to everyone, but people need to be aware of them.”

To navigate these challenges, Toothacre advises older job seekers avoid listing degree dates on résumés, limit work history to the past 10 to 15 years and seek positions that value experience, such as consulting, coaching and nonprofit work.

The survey was conducted in January.