A succession of surveys over the past decade makes plain the plans of a new generation of older Americans to keep working. Most of this research reveals that four of five boomers are expecting to continue working at the point when earlier generations moved to the sidelines. Indeed, there is already evidence of shifting labor patterns on the part of the pre-boomers, as early retirement levels off and millions of older workers remain in the workforce. These polls also find that most people who keep working want more than an endless incarnation of midlife work.
Most leading-edge baby boomers are ready for careers of service, now and in retirement, according to the MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures New Face of Work Survey. The survey finds that this group of boomers, age 50 to 59, is thinking seriously about giving back to their communities, as are their contemporaries who are just a few years older.
The number of older Americans who are continuing to work has increased dramatically, and it's likely to continue and even accelerate over the next two decades, according to a new RAND Corporation study. This trend could help ease the financial challenges facing Social Security and Medicare.
Community Service Leads to Encore Careers for Low-Income Workers
09/24/2009 - 12:01:25pm
“When you look at us, you see we’re all different: We’re male and female, black and white and Hispanic. But we all speak with one voice: We all want to work!” said Rosa Hannah, 60, of Rochester, New York.
Hannah was among five other panelists at Experience Works’ press event to highlight its new study, "Overlooked and Underserved: An In-depth Look at the Challenges Facing Low-income Older Job Seekers."
- by: Cal Halvorsen | More >
Skoll Foundation Invests in Encore Career Innovation
09/11/2009 - 01:22:30pm
The Skoll Foundation has announced that its first Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2010 will go to Civic Ventures, a nonprofit think tank focused on boomers, work and social purpose.
In making the $765,000 award, the foundation cited Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, for his vision of inspiring millions of boomers to pour their life experience into encore careers that combine personal meaning, continued income and social impact. “This new and growing workforce for social change could solve some of society’s toughest problems – from education to the environment, health care to homelessness,” the foundation noted in its announcement.
The award is the first made by the foundation to an organization that is focused on a demographic revolution: a new stage of work for adults who have completed their midlife careers and aren’t ready for true retirement.
- by: Terry Nagel | More >
Experience Corps offers opportunities, and small stipends, for Americans over 55 who want to tutor and mentor kids in underserved schools.
Building an Experience Dividend: State Governments Lead Call to Engage Boomers, a policy paper from Civic Ventures, identifies states that are developing policies and programs to make the best use of boomer experience. Arizona, California, Maryland, New York and Massachusetts are taking the lead in creating new and innovative programs that put boomers to work for the greater good.
For more information, check out the Encore.org blog post.
More Funding for the Peace Corps?
06/17/2009 - 09:55:00am
Amy Podhast, whose "The New Service" blog follows developments in national service, reports that expansion of the Peace Corps appears likely. That's good news for individuals seeking encore careers with the organization, which has experienced a surge in applications from people over age 50.
- by: Terry Nagel | More >
Serve America Act: Historic Day for Encore Careers
04/21/2009 - 10:54:56am
"We need your service right now, at this moment in history. I’m asking you to stand up and play your part. I’m asking you to help change history’s course, put your shoulder up against the wheel. If you do, I promise you your life will be richer, our country will be stronger, and someday, years from now, you may remember it as the moment when your own story and the American story converged, when they came together, and we met the challenges of our new century.
--President Barack Obama, April 21, 2009
- by: Terry Nagel | More >
Encore Careers for Recovery and Renewal
02/03/2009 - 03:18:57pm
President Obama hasn’t (yet) championed an encore careers initiative, but pieces of such an agenda already are emerging in the administration’s plans and proposals. (For more on the rationale for such an encore careers initiative, see "Social + Security = Encore Careers.")
- by: Cal Halvorsen | More >
