Why do you keep working after retirement?
Many people believe that additional earnings are the only benefit of working after retirement. Money may be one reward of reemployment, but it's certainly not the only benefit. Most people are physically capable of working after retirement. And, in many cases, working after retirement might make financial sense.
You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits. If you are younger than full retirement age and earn more than the yearly earnings limit, we may reduce your benefit amount.
The U.S. study, of nearly 3,000 healthy retirees stepping away from their jobs on average about age 65, found that the longer people worked, the lower their mortality risk.
“Continuing to work for as long as possible will absolutely give you more choices and financial freedom in retirement,” Duran explains. “Working for a longer period of time not only gives you more savings and builds your safety net, but it also provides health benefits which you don't have to pay for personally.”
Age 65 has long been considered a typical retirement age, in part because of rules around Social Security benefits.
Retirees enjoy over seven hours of leisure time per day, according to 2019 data from the American Time Use Survey. They use their newfound free time in a variety of ways, including taking up new hobbies, relaxing at home, watching TV and lingering over daily activities. Many retirees also continue to work or volunteer.
“Over the age of 85, about half the people worldwide have some form of cognitive impairment,” he said. The likelihood of impairment rises from 5% among 65-year-olds to 20% by the age of 75 and 50% by 85. “By 90, the number of people who are able to do full-time work falls largely,” Pillemer said.
Reaching State Pension age doesn't mean you have to give up work. You can continue working and still receive your State Pension.
Continuing to work past the traditional retirement age gives many the opportunity to add more money to their nest egg — and delay Social Security, which will bump up their eventual benefits check.
Your benefits may increase when you work:
As long as you continue to work, even if you are receiving benefits, you will continue to pay Social Security taxes on your earnings. However, we will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings you had will increase your monthly benefit.
What are the benefits of working past retirement age?
- Provides opportunities to try a new line of work.
- Helps stave off boredom and loneliness in retirement.
- Boosts your finances if the Age Pension or super savings are insufficient.
- Returns a sense of structure and routine to your life.