Working longer and population aging in the U.S.: Why delayed retirement isn’t a practical solution for many

Abstract

We argue that if the United States wants to make delayed retirement a healthy reality in the future, policymakers must level the social and economic playing field for young and middle-aged workers. As it stands, precarious working conditions, family caregiving responsibilities, poor health, and age discrimination make it difficult or impossible for many to work into their late 60s and beyond. Investments in better jobs today could lead to more secure retirements tomorrow. At the same time, we need a renovation of America’s retirement and disability systems to provide financial security for all Americans as they age. Our findings suggest that working longer is set in motion long before one’s 60s; it is structured by a life course history of working steadily through one’s 50s. We argue that policies affecting work and policies affecting retirement are two sides of the same coin and must be considered together.