Map reveals where older Americans are still working instead of retiring
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More Americans over 65 are choosing to work—or finding that they must.
A recent analysis by Assisted Living Magazine revealed sharp differences by state, with places like Vermont and Nebraska leading the nation in senior workforce participation.
The reasons range from high living costs to cultural norms and job flexibility.
And with nearly 11.2 million working seniors as of 2024, this is no fringe phenomenon.
Seniors now make up 7% of the U.S. workforce, and their numbers are climbing.
Between 2015 and 2024, the senior labor force jumped more than 33%, far outpacing overall workforce growth.
That trend is expected to continue, with projections of 14.8 million older workers by 2033.
As retirement gets redefined, states like Vermont (25.8%) and Nebraska (23.9%) top the list for keeping older workers employed.
The Northeast dominates this trend, with states like New Jersey (23.8%), Maryland (23.7%), and Rhode Island (23.7%) all reporting high levels of senior employment.
“States like Iowa and Nebraska having workforce participation above 23 percent for seniors, signals something deeper than just financial need,” said Jeremy Clerc, CEO of Assists.
He cited strong local economies, flexible work opportunities, and cultural norms that promote staying active.
In contrast, states like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas had the lowest senior employment rates, at 13–15%.
Also read: Proposed budget changes could affect senior services—here’s what to know
Cost of living is a big part of the equation. “States like West Virginia and Mississippi benefit from less expensive costs on everything from food to housing,” said Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Meanwhile, older adults in pricier states may keep working to afford basic expenses, especially with fewer guaranteed pensions.
Rising life expectancy and later full retirement ages (now 67 for those born in 1960 or later) also play a role.
Even so, some seniors see continued employment as a positive. A University of Michigan poll found that 71% of workers over 65 said their job benefited their mental health, and 67% reported physical health benefits.
Also read: Are you missing out? Find out if you qualify for Trump’s new senior tax break—and how much you could save
While nearly a third mentioned challenges from health issues or disability, most viewed their work experience as net positive. For some, working later isn’t just necessary—it’s purposeful.
But what does this mean for the future of retirement in America? “This is a sign of the times,” said Michael Ryan, founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com.
“The old idea of a gold-watch retirement is fading, replaced by a new reality where work is both a necessity for some, and a source of purpose for others.”
For policymakers and employers, the takeaway is clear: seniors are staying longer in the game—and the system needs to evolve.
Read next: Discover the surprising fun you’re missing at West Bend’s Senior Activity Center!
Are you seeing more older adults working in your community? Or are you one of them? Drop a comment and share what’s motivating seniors in your area to keep clocking in after 65. We'd love to hear your story or your thoughts on how retirement is changing.
A recent analysis by Assisted Living Magazine revealed sharp differences by state, with places like Vermont and Nebraska leading the nation in senior workforce participation.
The reasons range from high living costs to cultural norms and job flexibility.
And with nearly 11.2 million working seniors as of 2024, this is no fringe phenomenon.
Seniors now make up 7% of the U.S. workforce, and their numbers are climbing.
Between 2015 and 2024, the senior labor force jumped more than 33%, far outpacing overall workforce growth.
That trend is expected to continue, with projections of 14.8 million older workers by 2033.
As retirement gets redefined, states like Vermont (25.8%) and Nebraska (23.9%) top the list for keeping older workers employed.
Map reveals where older Americans are still working instead of retiring. Image source: Sweet Life / Unsplash
The Northeast dominates this trend, with states like New Jersey (23.8%), Maryland (23.7%), and Rhode Island (23.7%) all reporting high levels of senior employment.
“States like Iowa and Nebraska having workforce participation above 23 percent for seniors, signals something deeper than just financial need,” said Jeremy Clerc, CEO of Assists.
He cited strong local economies, flexible work opportunities, and cultural norms that promote staying active.
In contrast, states like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas had the lowest senior employment rates, at 13–15%.
Also read: Proposed budget changes could affect senior services—here’s what to know
Cost of living is a big part of the equation. “States like West Virginia and Mississippi benefit from less expensive costs on everything from food to housing,” said Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Meanwhile, older adults in pricier states may keep working to afford basic expenses, especially with fewer guaranteed pensions.
Rising life expectancy and later full retirement ages (now 67 for those born in 1960 or later) also play a role.
Even so, some seniors see continued employment as a positive. A University of Michigan poll found that 71% of workers over 65 said their job benefited their mental health, and 67% reported physical health benefits.
Also read: Are you missing out? Find out if you qualify for Trump’s new senior tax break—and how much you could save
While nearly a third mentioned challenges from health issues or disability, most viewed their work experience as net positive. For some, working later isn’t just necessary—it’s purposeful.
But what does this mean for the future of retirement in America? “This is a sign of the times,” said Michael Ryan, founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com.
“The old idea of a gold-watch retirement is fading, replaced by a new reality where work is both a necessity for some, and a source of purpose for others.”
For policymakers and employers, the takeaway is clear: seniors are staying longer in the game—and the system needs to evolve.
Read next: Discover the surprising fun you’re missing at West Bend’s Senior Activity Center!
