From retiring to rehiring: Seniors may lead new labor trend—Will you be part of it?
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In the ever-evolving landscape of the American workforce, a seismic shift is on the horizon—one that could redefine the value of experience and wisdom in the workplace.
As the nation grapples with high inflation and economic uncertainty, a surprising demographic is poised to make a significant impact: seniors.
Here at The GrayVine, we're delving into the heart of this trend to explore how companies across the country are increasingly recognizing the untapped potential of older job candidates.
Why Seniors Are Returning to Work
As more older adults choose to remain in or reenter the workforce amid rising inflation and financial uncertainty, hiring professionals say companies may begin to change how they perceive senior job applicants.
Although age-related bias has long been a barrier for older workers seeking roles they are qualified for, experts interviewed by Newsweek believe that the valuable experience seniors bring—along with financial motivations—could lead employers to reassess their assumptions.
Why It Matters
For some older adults, staying in the workforce is a financial necessity; for others, it’s a way to stay engaged and active.
According to an Allianz Life survey conducted last year, 63% of respondents said they expect to keep working at least part-time during retirement to help support their income. Meanwhile, 15% said they don’t see themselves ever fully retiring.
Uncertainty around Social Security benefits has also influenced this trend. In a Motley Fool survey of 2,000 retirees last October—shortly after the Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025.
This was the smallest increase in recent years, with half of the respondents saying that they were thinking about returning to work to boost their earnings.
Why the Shift Is Happening
Economic pressures are playing a major role in this shift. In a Motley Fool survey conducted late last year, 54 percent of retirees said the most recent COLA adjustment wasn't enough. That shortfall makes it difficult for many to cover essentials like food, housing, and healthcare without returning to the workforce.
Beyond finances, some seniors are choosing to work again simply for fulfillment.
Also read: Living on credit: The tough choices many seniors face today
As life expectancy increases, many retirees find themselves eager to stay active and purposeful—especially if they’re in good health and find retirement life a bit too quiet.
While seniors have traditionally found roles in grocery and retail stores, other employers are now rolling out more formal initiatives tailored to older workers.
ManpowerGroup US launched the Job Connections for Mature Workers program in 2020, according to the AARP.
Similarly, the Age-Friendly Institute runs the Certified Age-Friendly Employer Program, which recognizes organizations that actively support employees aged 50 and older.
Source: Spectrum News / Youtube.
What Experts Are Saying
"I began to see a trend of higher senior employment slowly following the 2020 economic recovery from the shutdown," said Jennifer Schielke, author of Leading for Impact: The CEO's Guide to Influencing With Integrity, in an interview with Newsweek.
"Although still not necessarily a 'specific target' strategy, we can expect to see an increasing trend of seniors continuing in the workforce or reengaging after retirement as we move forward in a recovery market that, hopefully, is marked by growth and thriving businesses."
Brittany Truszkowski, COO of Grand Canyon Law Group, told Newsweek, "While I don't see a large number of companies directly targeting seniors yet, I do see savvy organizations starting to recognize their unique value: strong work ethic, reliability, and often, a level of emotional intelligence that only comes from decades of life experience. In a high-pressure field like law, those traits matter—and I'd argue that seniors bring a level of calm and steadiness that can actually elevate a team."
Also read: 9 effortless jobs to boost your retirement funds starting today!
Career expert Keith Spencer from Resume Now shared that older jobseekers often face real challenges: "Many older adults looking to return to the workforce encounter challenges like age discrimination, outdated technical skills, and being seen as overqualified. Some employers may hesitate to hire someone with a career gap or assume that a more experienced professional won't stay long. Navigating modern job search strategies and adapting to today's workplace culture can also be difficult."
And Patrice Williams-Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, offered a forward-looking take: "We're seeing more professionals over 60 returning to work not just out of financial need, but out of a desire for purpose, flexibility, and relevance. Companies that recognize the untapped potential of older workers—especially those who are Medicare-eligible and bring decades of experience—stand to gain a loyal, high-performing talent pool. The biggest hurdle isn't skill set, it's age bias. And it's time we retire that too."
Looking Ahead
According to a Global Study by Bain & Company, approximately 150 million jobs may shift to workers over the age of 55 by 2030.
A separate report from Pew Research found that the number of employees in that age group has nearly quadrupled since the mid-1980s. That trend may lead more employers to actively engage older workers in recruitment strategies.
Source: Graying with Grace / Youtube.
"Their contributions will help us navigate into a more prosperous time of economic growth. It is wise for employers to be alert to the available workforce in whole and be equipped to adapt where necessary," Schielke said. "As such, what may not be common or noticeable to everyone right now appears to be something that will normalize itself in the marketplace that we all participate in going forward."
Looking ahead, Williams-Lindo emphasized that hiring seniors will be more than just a nice gesture: "They bring reliability, institutional knowledge, and often cost less in benefits due to Medicare eligibility. Companies willing to rethink outdated age biases will win big in this new labor era."
Read next: Discover 8 amazing jobs for retirees that pay every week – start earning now!
Are you a senior who continues to work, or would love to go back to work? We at The GrayVine want to hear your stories in the comments below!
As the nation grapples with high inflation and economic uncertainty, a surprising demographic is poised to make a significant impact: seniors.
Here at The GrayVine, we're delving into the heart of this trend to explore how companies across the country are increasingly recognizing the untapped potential of older job candidates.
Why Seniors Are Returning to Work
As more older adults choose to remain in or reenter the workforce amid rising inflation and financial uncertainty, hiring professionals say companies may begin to change how they perceive senior job applicants.
Although age-related bias has long been a barrier for older workers seeking roles they are qualified for, experts interviewed by Newsweek believe that the valuable experience seniors bring—along with financial motivations—could lead employers to reassess their assumptions.
Why It Matters
For some older adults, staying in the workforce is a financial necessity; for others, it’s a way to stay engaged and active.
According to an Allianz Life survey conducted last year, 63% of respondents said they expect to keep working at least part-time during retirement to help support their income. Meanwhile, 15% said they don’t see themselves ever fully retiring.
Hiring experts are suggesting a potential surge in companies hiring seniors due to their valuable skills and financial incentives. Image source: Spectrum News / Youtube.
Uncertainty around Social Security benefits has also influenced this trend. In a Motley Fool survey of 2,000 retirees last October—shortly after the Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025.
This was the smallest increase in recent years, with half of the respondents saying that they were thinking about returning to work to boost their earnings.
Why the Shift Is Happening
Economic pressures are playing a major role in this shift. In a Motley Fool survey conducted late last year, 54 percent of retirees said the most recent COLA adjustment wasn't enough. That shortfall makes it difficult for many to cover essentials like food, housing, and healthcare without returning to the workforce.
Beyond finances, some seniors are choosing to work again simply for fulfillment.
Also read: Living on credit: The tough choices many seniors face today
As life expectancy increases, many retirees find themselves eager to stay active and purposeful—especially if they’re in good health and find retirement life a bit too quiet.
While seniors have traditionally found roles in grocery and retail stores, other employers are now rolling out more formal initiatives tailored to older workers.
ManpowerGroup US launched the Job Connections for Mature Workers program in 2020, according to the AARP.
Similarly, the Age-Friendly Institute runs the Certified Age-Friendly Employer Program, which recognizes organizations that actively support employees aged 50 and older.
Source: Spectrum News / Youtube.
What Experts Are Saying
"I began to see a trend of higher senior employment slowly following the 2020 economic recovery from the shutdown," said Jennifer Schielke, author of Leading for Impact: The CEO's Guide to Influencing With Integrity, in an interview with Newsweek.
"Although still not necessarily a 'specific target' strategy, we can expect to see an increasing trend of seniors continuing in the workforce or reengaging after retirement as we move forward in a recovery market that, hopefully, is marked by growth and thriving businesses."
Brittany Truszkowski, COO of Grand Canyon Law Group, told Newsweek, "While I don't see a large number of companies directly targeting seniors yet, I do see savvy organizations starting to recognize their unique value: strong work ethic, reliability, and often, a level of emotional intelligence that only comes from decades of life experience. In a high-pressure field like law, those traits matter—and I'd argue that seniors bring a level of calm and steadiness that can actually elevate a team."
Also read: 9 effortless jobs to boost your retirement funds starting today!
Career expert Keith Spencer from Resume Now shared that older jobseekers often face real challenges: "Many older adults looking to return to the workforce encounter challenges like age discrimination, outdated technical skills, and being seen as overqualified. Some employers may hesitate to hire someone with a career gap or assume that a more experienced professional won't stay long. Navigating modern job search strategies and adapting to today's workplace culture can also be difficult."
And Patrice Williams-Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, offered a forward-looking take: "We're seeing more professionals over 60 returning to work not just out of financial need, but out of a desire for purpose, flexibility, and relevance. Companies that recognize the untapped potential of older workers—especially those who are Medicare-eligible and bring decades of experience—stand to gain a loyal, high-performing talent pool. The biggest hurdle isn't skill set, it's age bias. And it's time we retire that too."
Looking Ahead
According to a Global Study by Bain & Company, approximately 150 million jobs may shift to workers over the age of 55 by 2030.
A separate report from Pew Research found that the number of employees in that age group has nearly quadrupled since the mid-1980s. That trend may lead more employers to actively engage older workers in recruitment strategies.
Source: Graying with Grace / Youtube.
"Their contributions will help us navigate into a more prosperous time of economic growth. It is wise for employers to be alert to the available workforce in whole and be equipped to adapt where necessary," Schielke said. "As such, what may not be common or noticeable to everyone right now appears to be something that will normalize itself in the marketplace that we all participate in going forward."
Looking ahead, Williams-Lindo emphasized that hiring seniors will be more than just a nice gesture: "They bring reliability, institutional knowledge, and often cost less in benefits due to Medicare eligibility. Companies willing to rethink outdated age biases will win big in this new labor era."
Read next: Discover 8 amazing jobs for retirees that pay every week – start earning now!
Are you a senior who continues to work, or would love to go back to work? We at The GrayVine want to hear your stories in the comments below!
